Allergy occurs when the bodys immune system over-reacts to a normally harmless substance. A substance that stimulates the immune system is called an antigen. Antigens that provoke an allergic response are called allergens. Common inhalant allergens include pollen from trees, grasses and weeds as well as mold and pet dander and dust. In addition, foods and bee stings (venom) can cause an allergic response. Allergies can be seasonal such as pollen allergies or perennial (occur throughout the year) such as dust, dander and mold allergies.

When the allergic response is triggered a complex cascade of chemical reactions occur in which histamine, leukotrienes, and other chemical mediators are released. The allergic symptoms that are produced depend on the organ system that responds to the allergic challenge. When the target organs are the nose and sinuses; congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, sneezing, itching, headache and facial pressure commonly ensue. This constellation of symptoms is called allergic rhinitis. When the lungs are the target organs, bronchoconstriction occurs resulting in a cough, hyperreactive airway disease and asthma. When the skin is the target organ, eczematous reactions occur as in contact dermatitis. Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, itchy and watery eyes.

There are three main strategies for coping with allergies. The first is environmental control. This means avoidance of specific allergens through removing the source of the allergen if possible, removing accumulated allergens, and preventing the return of the allergen. The bedroom should be targeted first. Reduction to outdoor allergens is very helpful but limits the allergy patients outdoor exposure. A web site that sells a wide variety of products such as HEPA vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, hypoallergenic bedding etc. is AllergyBuyersClub.com.

The second strategy for dealing with allergies is through medication. These include antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, cromolyn sprays, leukotriene inhibitors and bronchodilators. Many patients obtain excellent symptom relief through the use of these medications.

The third strategy is desensitization, which is also called immunotherapy and is commonly know as allergy shots. By skin testing, in which we determine what allergens you respond to and your level of sensitivity, we can create a custom made mixture of substances to use in immunotherapy. By increasing the dose of these allergens over time you should become less sensitive to the substances that cause your allergic symptoms. Eventually a maintenance dose is reached and the interval between maintenance doses is increased. Immunotherapy then is an individually tailored program designed to combat your specific allergies. We often use immunotherapy in addition to environmental controls and medication to eliminate your allergy symptoms. You can obtain more information on allergies by clicking onto the American Academy of Otolaryngology web site.