Allergy Information
Allergy Treatment
Once the allergens responsible for a person's allergy symptoms have been identified, a comprehensive treatment plan will be recommended by your allergist. Treatment options fall into three categories: environmental control (minimizing exposure to the relevant allergens), pharmacotherapy (medicines), and immunotherapy (desensitization or allergy shots). One, two, or all three of these options may be recommended, depending on multiple factors such as the severity and chronicity of symptoms, results of past treatment, and the effect that these symptoms have on one's quality of life.Environmental Control
Environmental control is the first and best step toward better allergy control.
If you have dust mite allergies, encasings for the mattress and pillows are an absolute must according to most allergists. This is because mite-proof encasings will create a complete barrier between the dust mite allergic individual and dust mites, which are found by the millions in mattresses, pillows, and comforters.
For more information regarding Environmental Control, read more...Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also called desensitization or hypo-sensitization, is a form of treatment wherein extracts of allergens (pollens, dust, molds, etc.) are introduced into the body to induce an immunologic response, resulting in the eventual reduction or elimination of the allergic reaction.
For more information regarding Immunotherapy, read more...Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medications prescribed to treat multiple allergic conditions, including seasonal and year round nasal allergies, itching, hives, eczema, and allergic reactions. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by our bodies during allergic reactions.
For more information regarding Antihistamines, read more...Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are asthma medications designed to relieve asthma symptoms by relaxing the muscles that tighten around the airways. They act rapidly (usually within fifteen minutes to one hour) opening the airways, letting more air come in and out of the lungs.
For more information regarding Bronchodilators, read more...Inhaled Steroids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are one of the most effective medicines used to treat recurrent or chronic asthma. They are designed to reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes of individuals with asthma. ICS work by turning off the lung’s production of mediators that cause inflammation, swelling, mucous production, and eventual constriction or blockage of the medium to small airways in the lungs.
For more information regarding Inhaled Steroids, read more...Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers (LTMs) are medications designed to block a chemical mediator in our body (leukotrienes) that causes mucous production, swelling of the lining of the sinuses and lungs, spasm of the lungs, and recruitment of cells that contribute to allergic inflammation. Some leukotriene modifiers work by blocking production of leukotrienes while others block the receptor for the inflammatory mediators.
For more information regarding Leukotriene Modifiers, read more...Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids, or Nasal steroid sprays, are one of the most effective medicines used to treat allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, as well as nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis. They are designed to reduce inflammation in the mucosal lining of the nose.
For more information regarding Nasal Corticosteroids, read more...Oral Steroids
Oral steroids or injectable steroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications. They work by turning off the body’s production of mediators that cause inflammation and subsequent symptoms of swelling, irritation, itching and pain.
For more information regarding Oral Steroids, read more...Xolair
Xolair (Omalizumab) belongs to a class of medications called “biologic therapies”. Xolair acts early in the allergic-inflammatory process in people with allergic asthma by blocking the allergy antibody IgE from causing the reactions that can lead to asthma attacks and symptoms.
For more information regarding Xolair, read more...
