Do you experience nasal congestion or stuffiness,tenderness of the face, persistent post nasal drip, headaches or teeth pain?

Then you may have sinusitis or a sinus infection.

It is often confused with a bad cold that never seems to go away. Sinuses are air filled cavities within the skull. As a result of allergies and hay fever, people often get infections in their sinuses caused by bacteria leading to the symptoms described above.

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If you suffer from these symptoms, we can help. A board certified allergist is the most appropriate doctor to take care of these problems. Once the diagnosis is made, the proper antibiotic can clear up this problem and we can help you keep it from recurring.
By diagnosing what the cause of your allergies are, we can treat these symptoms and prevent ongoing and recurrent sinus infections.

Contact our office now and see what we can do to help you rid yourself of sinus infections once and for all.

Call us today: 650-216-6111

More than 50 million people have allergies in the United States. When people with allergies have persistent symptoms, it becomes imperative to find out what their allergies are to better treat their symptoms. It is the first step to an effective treatment for their allergies.

Once a thorough medical history and physical exam are conducted, it is imperative to proceed with allergy testing to identify the allergens triggering the patient’s symptoms.
Allergy testing can be done at any age and involve skin testing or blood testing (Allergy RAST Testing). Allergy testing should always be conducted under the supervision of a board certified allergist/immunologist to effectively interpret the results.

We can Help! Call us today: 650-216-6111

Allergy tests can detect allergies to pollen, mold, dust mite, animal dander, insect stings, foods and some medicines.

Skin testing is done by scratching or pricking the skin with a plastic prong device containing the suspected allergen. The tests can be performed on the back or forearm. Multiple allergens can be tested at the same time. The site is observed for 20 minutes and then red. If there is redness, swelling and itching, it means the patient is allergic to that particular allergen. The size of the reaction will determine how sensitive the patient is to the allergen tested.

Sometimes, a second set of testing called intradermal allergy testing is performed if the first testing is negative. This is done just under the skin and picks up reactions missed by the first set of testing. These results are also read within 20 minutes after applying.

Skin testing causes little or no pain except for the itching and redness associated with positive skin test reactions. These usually go down in a couple of hours and can be treated with antihistamine medication if necessary. However it is crucial to stop all antihistamine medication 3-4 days before allergy skin testing.

Any medical test involves some risk. Allergy skin tests may in rare occasion cause generalized allergic reactions such as rashes, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis. Fortunately these reactions are easily treated in the allergist office.

Allergy blood tests, also called RAST testing can be an alternative to allergy skin testing. It is most often used if the patient is taking a medicine that will interfere with the skin testing and cannot stop this medicine, has a chronic skin condition that would prevent allergy skin testing or babies and very young children where a blood draw would be better than multiple skin tests.

However allergy blood tests are more expensive than skin testing, take several weeks to get the results, rather than 20 minutes, and are less sensitive than the allergy skin testing. For every 10 positive allergy skin tests, the blood test will pick up approximately only 8 positive tests

Each testing method has its pluses and minuses. The tests alone do not diagnose allergies. They must be interpreted by the allergist in context with the patient’s history and symptoms. So a complete allergy evaluation by a board certified allergist would be the best approach to diagnosing and treating one’s allergies.

Call us today: 650-216-6111

There are some symptoms that are commonly associated with allergies such as:

• Runny Nose
• Post Nasal Drip
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Watery eyes

Less common allergy symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Loss of taste and smell
• Low productivity/Poor concentration
• Fatigue
• Sleep Disturbances
• Snoring

Allergy symptoms can be more than bothersome or irritating. They can interfere with your day to day activities and sleep. Allergies can result in loss of productivity, missed work or school, and an overall poor quality of life.E

Seeking the help of an allergist is the key to treating your allergies.

WHAT should I expect when I see an allergist?

The allergist will conduct a patient history including an assessment of your symptoms, a relevant physical exam and a thorough environmental evaluation. The allergist will also perform allergy skin testing to determine exactly what you are allergic to. Substances such as dust mites, pollens, mold and pet dander are considered common allergens.

Skin testing determines your individual allergic reactions. This skin test is effective to evaluate both inhalant allergens and food allergens.

WHAT is involved in skin testing?

Skin testing is a simple procedure that is best described as tiny scratches that are applied to the surface of the skin. The scratches are performed with a small instrument similar to a toothpick.

The instrument contains small amounts of common allergens. The skin is lightly scratched on the surface with a tiny amount of the allergen. If you are allergic, a small mosquito bite like bump will appear. For those patients who do not react to this type of skin testing, an intradermal skin test may be performed (similar to a TB test).

The allergist can determine your specific allergy profile. Because everyone is unique in what their specific allergic triggers are, knowing what your allergies are is important to effectively treat allergies.

HOW are allergies treated?

Once the allergist knows the allergens that are causing your symptoms, an effective treatment plan can be recommended. These treatment plans include:

• Avoidance of offending allergens
• Medications
• Immunotherapy/Allergy shots

HOW can I avoid allergies?

Obviously you are expected to live your life in a bubble, but there are things that can be done to minimize your exposure to specific allergens. For example, if you are allergic to dust, you can dust-proof your bedroom by using allergy-proof mattress and pillow covers. If you are allergic to pollen, it is beneficial to keep your windows closed and to shower immediately following outdoor activities. There are many ways to cut down on the allergens in your environment. Talk to your allergist about any information that they can provide you on allergy avoidance.

WHAT types of medications are available?

There are wide ranges of medications on the market including antihistamines, decongestants, steroid nasal sprays, etc. Depending on your allergens and the degree to which you suffer, a specialized treatment plan will be recommended.

IS there a cure for allergies?

No, but there are effective treatments to minimize your allergy symptoms. Allergy injections, also referred to as immunotherapy, are highly effective in achieving this goal. As you re expose to small, injected amounts of a particular allergen, you gradually decrease your sensitivity and build up your immunity to the specific substances to which you are allergic. Immunotherapy offers allergy sufferers an alternative to a life of allergy medications.

WHAT is the time commitment involved with immunotherapy?

In the beginning, immunotherapy patients will typically have injections weekly during buildup to maintenance dose. Then every other week for three months and then every four weeks as tolerated, (most people experience improvement during the first six months of injections). Injections are then spaced out and completed within a 3-5 year period. By this time, most patients no longer have to continue their immunotherapy injections.

WHAT happens if my allergies go untreated?

Allergies can be the underlying cause of frequent sinus, ear and upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Untreated allergies can even exacerbate or cause asthma. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that “Approximately 80 percent of all asthma in children and half of all asthma in adults in caused by allergies.”

Allergies are responsible for symptoms that may make it difficult for you to concentrate, or they may cause sinus headaches- both of which can result in a loss of productivity. This loss of productivity can filter into your work, school and home life. Don’t let your allergies control you, take control of your allergies!

About Dr. Lipson:

Dr. Lipson opened his first clinic in Redwood City, which served the area for 10 years, before moving to San Carlos. After 7 years in San Carlos, Dr. Lipson felt it time to return to Redwood City, where he built the current, new facility for Allergy and Asthma Consultants.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490

Pet allergies are extremely common. People who suffer from them are subject to allergic reaction from animal dander, saliva or urine. Pets can also trap pollens and spores from the outdoors and bring them in on their fur. This introduces other allergens to the home. Despite their allergies, as many as 25% of people with pet allergies continue to keep pets at home and often indoors.

Pet Allergy Symptoms

Common symptoms those with pet allergies suffer from include:

• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Hives

These symptoms can be seen in both children and adults. The symptoms of those who live with furry, hairy pets such as cats or dogs are pronounced due to the constant exposure to allergens, compared to those who choose not to live with animals.

Pet Allergy Solutions

Some people think the solution is to keep their pets outdoors. While this sounds good in theory, pet dander and other pet allergens eventually make their way into a house, carried in on our clothing and shoes as we care for and interact with our outdoor pet.

For people who insist on keeping pets indoors and trying to live with them, despite allergies, one of the best policies to follow is to not allow the pet into your sleeping quarters at all. Try to maintain this room as a safe haven, not allowing the pet to enter the room at all. Since you occupy this room more than any other room of the house, sleeping here approximately eight hours a day, you can minimize contact with pet allergens this way.

If you have pet allergies, try not to hug or kiss your pet. Pet him, speak to him lovingly and provide for his needs to show him how much you care. After petting, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. If you have a cat, get someone without allergies to take responsibility for cleaning the litter box. If you have upholstered furniture, try to not allow your animals to sit, lay or climb on it. If you do, keep washable covers on the furniture and launder them regularly.

Be sure to bathe your pet often to keep dander at a minimum. Your pet should be washed weekly. Special shampoo products can help to neutralize or reduce skin allergens to help you cohabitate easier with your pet. Get someone who isn’t allergic to brush the pet regularly outside. If you have carpet or rugs, vacuum at least daily, if not multiple times daily, to remove pet hair and dander. It is best to pull up carpet and rugs to eliminate surfaces for allergens to get trapped in.

Pet Allergy Treatments

If you decide to live with a pet, despite your allergies, talk to your allergist about treatments to help you coexist peacefully. Allergy shots can help reduce or eliminate any symptoms of pet allergies, making it possible for you to live under the same roof alongside your furry best friend.

Allergy and Asthma Consultants

Dr. Brian Lipson is board certified in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. His specialized training allows him to focus on allergic and asthmatic conditions such as hay fever, sinus problems, hives, drug allergies, food allergies, and insect sting reactions. Dr. Lipson and his staff are dedicated to working with patients to provide the best possible solution toward better health.

Lipson Allergy and Asthma Consultants is located in Redwood City, CA on Main Street, and also has an office in Fremont, CA on Mowry Ave.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490

Diagnosing Allergies and Colds Correctly

It is important we correctly diagnose what ails us in order to treat it properly. Colds and allergies share many of the same symptoms, so it can be hard to tell one from the other sometimes. Probably the biggest difference between the two is that with allergies, you always have itchiness. When you have seasonal allergies, your eyes, nose and throat will itch and cause irritation which may make you sneeze, cough or make your eyes water. With a cold, you may run a fever, but never with allergies.

Colds come on gradually, a step at a time. You will end up with multiple symptoms, but not altogether, all at once. One day you may notice you sneeze, while the next your throat feels sore and so on. With allergies, everything begins all at the same time. You experience all the symptoms all at once, full blown the first day. And while colds typically run their course in 5-10 days, allergies like to stick around longer, lingering on.

Some people also differentiate between the throat symptoms of allergies versus colds by stating that while their throats actually feel sore during a cold, they don’t while suffering from seasonal allergies. The throat really has more of an itch to it during allergies rather than soreness. Many people who suffer from allergies find their symptoms peak late at night or early in the morning and tend to subside as the day goes on, until the cycle starts over again the same night.

Beyond Colds and Allergies – Sinus Infection

Another thing to consider beyond just colds or allergies is the possibility of a sinus infection. The symptoms of a sinus infection include a week or more of headaches accompanied by cold symptoms and possibly paired with a fever. If you suspect a sinus infection, it is a good idea to see your physician for antibiotic treatment.

Allergies run in families. If your parents don’t have allergies, it is not likely you will either. But, if both parents have allergies, you have a 75% chance of developing them. Pollution is another contributing factor to seasonal allergies being on the rise. Spring is the peak season for allergies, due to pollen in the air.

If you do find yourself suffering from seasonal allergies, see your allergist to see what types of treatments may be available to you. And, if you have a cold, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Eventually the cold will run its course.

Allergy and Asthma Consultants

Dr. Brian Lipson is board certified in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. His specialized training allows him to focus on allergic and asthmatic conditions such as hay fever, sinus problems, hives, drug allergies, food allergies, and insect sting reactions. Dr. Lipson and his staff are dedicated to working with patients to provide the best possible solution toward better health.

Lipson Allergy and Asthma Consultants is located in Redwood City, CA on Main Street, and also has an office in Fremont, CA on Mowry Ave.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490

Allergy shots, also referred to as allergy injections or immunotherapy, are in essence, a series of injections to control allergy symptoms. Allergy shots are not a medication. Allergy shots desensitize allergy patients to their specific allergens and are the only way to “turn off” the immune system’s reactions to allergies. Allergy patients frequently choose to get rid of their allergies and become medication “free.” During immunotherapy, the patient will gradually develop a stronger tolerance to their allergens. With allergy shots, your allergy symptoms should be significantly minimized or even eliminated.

WHO should consider receiving allergy shots?

You should consider allergy shots if complete avoidance of your allergens is impossible or if you:

• Have moderate to severe allergies
• Have frequent respiratory tract infections
• Do not respond to allergy medications
• Would prefer to avoid a lifetime of allergy medication use
• Are willing to commit to a regularly scheduled treatment plan
• Have chronic sinusitis or asthma due to allergies

HOW do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots contain traces of your specific allergens—the very things that trigger an allergic reaction from you immune system. By gradually increasing the dose of your allergen, your body develops a tolerance to that particular allergen. In essence, allergy shots turn off an inappropriate immune response, your allergic reaction to a plant, tree, pet or mold, while still allowing your immune system to respond normally to infectious agents, especially viruses and bacteria.

Allergy shots occur in two phases:

1. Build-up phase: involves a routine of injections with increasing amounts of allergens. The frequency of injections generally ranges from on to three times a week, with an average duration of four to eight months.

2. Maintenance phase: begins when the effective therapeutic dose is achieved. Once this maintenance does is reached, the time between treatments will increase, ranging from every one to four weeks.

You may begin to see the benefits of allergy shots during the build-up phase, but it may take as long as 12 months on the maintenance dose to see significant results. On average maintenance therapy is continued for 3-5 years.

WHAT is my treatment commitment?

You must be willing to commit to a regular schedule of allergy shot treatments, with the main commitment period occurring the first 18 months. Although some people may consider this an inconvenience, a three to five year commitment to allergy shots is minimal compared to a lifetime of taking over the counter drugs or prescription medications.

Also you must receive your allergy shots at a healthcare facility with proper staff and equipment to treat any potential adverse reactions. It is recommended that you remain in the office 20 to 30 minutes after receiving your allergy injections to ensure that you do not experience any adverse reactions.

WILL I experience any negative reactions to the allergy shots?

Two types of adverse reactions can occur with allergy shots: local and/or systemic.

1. Local reactions are more common and appear as redness and swelling at the injection site. They can occur immediately or several hours after treatment and are not serious. Future local reactions can be prevented by adjusting the dose of our allergy shot or taking antihistamines the day of the shot.

2. Systemic: Systemic reactions are uncommon and are usually mild. They require immediate treatment, but usually respond quickly to medications.

Rarely a serious systemic reaction called anaphylaxis can develop. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include swelling in the throat, wheezing or a sensation of tightness in the chest, nausea or dizziness. The majority of adverse reactions develop within 20 minutes after the injection, which is why you should commit to remaining in the office, should such a reaction occur.

CAN children receive allergy shots?

Allergy shots can be started at any age. Recent studies suggest that allergy shots may prevent development of new allergies in children and also may prevent the development of childhood asthma.

About Dr. Lipson:

Dr. Lipson opened his first clinic in Redwood City, which served the area for 10 years, before moving to San Carlos. After 7 years in San Carlos, Dr. Lipson felt it time to return to Redwood City, where he built the current, new facility for Allergy and Asthma Consultants.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490