What is Allergy?
Allergy is a genetic condition. The body is exposed to substances in our environment. Those of us who are not predisposed genetically to respond to these substances will find them harmless, with exposure, while others will respond as though they are harmful invaders.
The name given to such substances are Allergens. Repeated exposure, for those who are genetically prone to respond, will cause various allergic symptoms through time. These symptoms produced range from mild discomfort to life threatening.
Who has Allergies?
Statistically if one parent has allergies then children will have a 25% chance of also developing allergies. Should both parents experience allergies then there is a 75%- 80% chance that offspring will also have symptoms. It is estimated that at least 20% of the population is likely to develop some kind of allergy which means possibly more than 40 million Americans. It is most common for allergies to begin in childhood but symptoms can manifest themselves at any age. You are never too old to develop allergies !
What are the most common Allergens?
Primary
examples of Allergens are the pollens of Trees, Grasses and Weeds,
Mold Spores, Dust Mites, Animal Danders, Feathers, Drugs And Insect
Venoms.
Seasonal Pollen Allergies verses Perennial (Year Round) Allergies
Seasonal allergies are cause by allergens that we are exposed to at certain times of the year. In the Spring peak pollination time for Trees occurs in March through May. During summertime, June through August, there is the peak pollination of Grass pollens and finally, the Fall season, from September to first heavy frost brings the prime for Weed pollens.
Perennial Allergy symptoms are caused by the allergens found in our environment all year round such as the danders of our pets in our homes, cats, dogs, birds for example. Dust mites and mold spores also. Symptoms may become worse in the winter time because our homes are usually closed up and we may spend more time indoors.
Should an Otolaryngologist treat your Allergies?
An Otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases. Half of the problems he or she encounters are probably due, either directly or indirectly , to Allergy.
The Otolaryngologist is able to follow the patient's progress with specialized examinations, nose and throat medical and surgical treatment, such as polyp removal, placement of middle ear ventilating tubes, straightening of the nasal septum and treatment of sinus infections.
What to Expect on your First Visit to our Otolaryngologic Allergy Clinic?
First of all a careful history will be taken to to provide information concerning the symptoms experienced, the duration of these symptoms and the effect on lifestyle i.e., time missed from work, difficulties with activities etc.
The Physician or his Physician Assistant will examine your ears, nose throat and sinuses. This will help determine if you may have a reoccurring infection, a deviated septum, nasal polyps and if your symptoms may be related to allergies. There are appropriate tests to be carried out following the examination to assist with diagnosis.
Allergy Skin Testing
Skin Testing is a means by which Allergies can be confirmed. The offending allergens can be identified and the levels of sensitivities indicated. For example, you may be highly allergic to Ragweed pollen but only mildly allergic to Hickory Tree pollen. Each of the offending allergens can be treated according to individual level of sensitivity. A formulae for vaccine treatment is designed on test results.
Testing is performed by highly-qualified medical assistants, taking approximately 2 hours, using the arms as testing sites.
Basically a drop of each allergen is injected under the first layer of skin or a prick method may be applied. The skin will be observed for size of responses in the form of wheals (hives or welts). From responses the medical assistant will understand what you are allergic to and if treatment with allergy serum injections is warranted.
There will be detailed education concerning allergen controls in the home environment provided by the medical assistant, vand literature, during testing time.
On occasion it maybe appropriate or necessary for blood testing, known as RAST , to be done to identify allergies, when skin testing is not an option or if the patient would like to have additional food testing.
Treatment
If it is found that you have positive testing to multiple allergens, the provider may recommend Immunotherapy , which is an ongoing series of allergy serum injections as Treatment.
This therapy requires 2-5 years of patient commitment to weekly injections and yearly Physician Review visits. With ongoing care, Seasonal and Perennial allergies will improve.
Other options, besides Immunotherapy, for Treatment include taking prescribed Antihistamine medications, Decongestants, using prescribed Nasal Steroids ( or both) and implementing Environmental Controls in the home. Kentuckiana Ear Nose & Throat also provides sublingual allergy treatment that can be done from the convenience of home however we suggest that you check with your insurance company regarding this treatment as most insurance companies do not cover for sublingual immunotherapy. Typical costs for sublingual immunotherapy ranges from $55.00- $150.00 every two months. For more information please contact the allergy department.
How successful is Immunotherapy?
Over 85% of patients who receive regular injections over the recommended period of time experience significant improvement or complete relief from their symptoms.
Tips to help Allergy Proof your Lifestyle
- Wear a dust mask when cleaning or working in the yard
- Change your furnace and air conditioning filters monthly
- Use a High Efficient Particulate Air Cleaner (HEPA Filter)
- Keep your home well dusted (especially the bedroom)
- Get rid of stuffed animals (they harbor dust mites)
- Reduce any clutter that can collect dust or molds e.g. newspapers
- Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination including keeping your car windows rolled up
- Keep your pets outdoors or at least out of the bedroom (we need allergen free place as much as possible to sleep so we can feel rested)
- Washing and grooming your pet regularly helps keep the dander down (by someone who is not allergic). Special products available.
- Get rid of house plants or anything that may promote mold growth in the home
- Use cotton or synthetic bedding in place of feathers
- Enclose pillows and mattresses in protective allergy dust covers
- Wash your bedding in hot water every 7-10 days to reduce dust mites
- Use Antihistamines, Decongestants and Nasal Steroids as prescribed by your doctor
- Talk to your doctor about Immunotherapy
- Keep a healthy life style by exercising, eating a balance diet and stop smoking
- Keep your doctor informed of any change in symptoms