Environmental Allergies
Comprehensive Allergy Care
Many allergy treatments exist to suit a variety of different allergies. Your doctor at Allergy & Asthma Care will assess your individual case and discuss the best treatment options with you. As is the case with most health conditions, the most effective approach is a combination of medical treatment and diligent self-care.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms of Allergies
Allergies can manifest in different ways in different people. The following is a list of possible allergic reactions:
Runny Nose
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Throat clearing from post-nasal drip
Itchy eyes, ears, nose, or throat
Asthma
(coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness)
Rashes
Recurrent Ear or Sinus Infections
Snoring
Headaches
Fatigue or Feeling Tired
Effective allergy treatments can bring a major improvement to your overall quality of life.
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy shots, which are also called immunotherapy, contain small amounts of the allergens that cause your specific symptoms. Over the course of several years, allergy shots can make you less vulnerable to those allergens and reduce the severity of your reactions.
Immunotherapy is appropriate if you:
- Cannot avoid certain allergens.
- Do not respond satisfactorily to allergy medications.
- Have asthma or frequent sinus infections.
Shots can even help with insect sting allergies. If you are interested in allergy shots, talk to us at your visit.
Allergy Drops: an alternative to allergy shots!
We are now offering Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy) for environmental allergies. This treatment can be very useful for people who are unable to come into the office for shots or who are afraid of needles. Drops are taken daily at home with office visits every few months. Speak to the doctor if you are interested in the treatment.
Medications
Oral Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines block histamine, the chemical that your body releases in response to the allergens or perceived attackers. Histamine is responsible for common allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching. But, histamine is only one of many chemicals in the body that contribute to allergy symptoms. This is why stopping histamine alone does not always treat all allergy symptoms.
Oral Decongestants
Oral decongestants reduce swelling in the nose.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays many contain low dose steroids or antihistamines to reduce inflammation in the nose.
Eye Drops
Eye drops may contain antihistamines, or other ingredients to relieve itching, watering, and redness.
Topical Creams & Ointments
Topical creams and ointments calm itchiness with antihistamines and/or steroids.
Common Allergies
Dust Mites
Pollen
Animals
