ALLERGIES
CAUSES AND TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ALLERGIES & ALLERGIC RHINITIS
WHAT ARE ALLERGIES?
An allergy is an unusual response of the body to an environmental agent. While most individuals may not be allergic to a particular item, some individuals are genetically predisposed to allergies to certain agents or become allergic as time goes by. The development of allergies depends on genetics, environmental interactions, degree of exposure to the particular allergen and duration of exposure, and yet unknown factors. The specifics of allergies are far from clear at this time although much research is currently ongoing in this very dynamic field.
Texas Sinus, Allergy, Snoring, and Sleep Institute specializes in helping people who suffer from seasonal and chronic allergies through immunotherapy and other treatment options.
If you are tired of sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and sore throat due to allergies, give us a call or book an appointment with Dr. Khetarpal today.
TAKE THE ALLERGY QUIZ
Do you suffer from one or more of the following during allergy season?
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Itchy, Weepy Eye
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Runny Nose
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Facial Pressure or Pain
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Stuffy Nose
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Sneezing
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Itchy Throat
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Scratchy Eyes
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Headaches
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Hay Fever
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Mold Allergies
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Hives
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Food Allergies
Once the source of the allergy is determined, treatment can begin. From allergy drops to Immunotherapy (allergy shots) and more, we can develop a personalized allergy treatment plan to help your immune system build resistance to the allergens that keep you from living life to the fullest. Get the relief you deserve.
WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which an individual manifests nasal or sinus symptoms of being allergic to any agent to which they are exposed. These foreign agents could be inhalants or aerosolized particles, such as pollen, dust mites, animal or pet dander, foods, certain chemicals, aspirin, non-steroidal medicines such as ibuprofen, or other medicines. Typically, a type I hypersensitivity reaction results in an early reaction to these allergens, whereas a type III reaction involves a delayed response that may take hours to develop.
SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Typically, sneezing, clear nasal discharge, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, itchy nose, nasal congestion, headaches, eye tearing, itchy palate, and even itchy ears may manifest with allergic rhinitis. Allergic eye symptoms may coexist with allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis may also predispose to persistent or chronic sinusitis and asthma. Symptoms may be seasonal or all year round.
COMMON AIRBORNE ALLERGIES
Our data has shown that dust mites, pollens, molds, and cockroaches, besides cat and dog dander, are the most common allergens. Pollens may come from weeds such as ragweed or from trees such as mesquite, pine, and cedar, or from local grasses such as Johnson or Bermuda grass. Most individuals are allergic to more than one antigen.
COMMON FOOD ALLERGIES
Milk, wheat, corn, eggs, tree nuts, and soy are among the most common food allergens. Of course, there are individuals who are allergic to peanuts, shellfish, onions, lettuce, berries, fruits, bananas, etc. Food allergies can be identified by a process of elimination. Creating a food diary and correlating symptoms with the types of food consumed is the best way to identify the culprit food allergen.
CONTACT US TO TALK TO DR. KHETARPAL AND GET SET UP FOR AN ALLERGY TEST TODAY!
MANAGING AND TREATING YOUR ALLERGIES - TIPS FROM DR. KHETARPAL
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* Wash all bedding, including mattress pads, in hot water or bleach every 10 days.
* Clean your home. Dust mites are, by most studies, the most common allergen to cause
allergic reactions. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter, washing items in hot water, and using
mite-proof casings will reduce these allergens.
* Using HEPA filters in the bedroom, study, or TV room will help reduce pollen and particle
levels.
* Dust mite matter and pet dander hide in fabric, such as curtains, furniture upholstery, carpets,
and bedding. Keeping these clean is important.
* Remove carpeting in your home if possible
* Avoid smoking
* Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with reduced ventilation must be well ventilated
to prevent or reduce mold growth.
* Bathe pets once a week to reduce pet dander, and, if possible, keep your pet out of the
bedroom. Wash your hands after petting animals.
* Because chalk can irritate children with allergies, advise the children not to sit too close to the
chalkboard
* Limit the number of indoor plants; mold thrives in potting soil.
* For individuals with food allergies, always read the ingredients before ingesting a new or
packaged food. When dining out, ask restaurants for a list of ingredients or for a meal prepared
without the offending food or additive.
* Nasal steroids (such as flonase or fluticasone, Nasonex, available OTC) are very effective in
improving the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Non-sedating antihistamines (such as Claritin,
Allegra and Zyrtec (all available OTC) are also effective but less so. Antihistamine nasal sprays
such as azelastine or astepro (available OTC) also reduce symptoms.
* Immunotherapy, such as sublingual immunotherapy (also called allergy drops), or
subcutaneous immunotherapy (also called allergy shots) is very effective in reducing an
individual's allergic reactions over the long term.
* Allergy drops or sublingual immunotherapy is our preferred option, given the flexibility in using
it, more rapid escalation towards maintenance dosage, can be taken with you during travels, no
requirement for weekly office visits, and much less risk of anaphylaxis. Because allergy drops
are not FDA-approved, they are not paid for by insurance carriers. However, drops are very
safe, and increasing research and our own data on them show they are highly effective in most
patients.
