Explaining Your Allergies
WHAT are the symptoms of allergies?
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
