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WHY SHOULD I SEE AN ALLERGIST FOR MY ASTHMA?
Allergists are experts in the evaluation and treatment of asthma. Asthma is often an allergic condition of the airways. The allergist will identify and evaluate allergic factors that frequently contribute to your airway disease. Managing your asthma triggers and receiving optimal medical treatment are the mainstays in achieving outstanding asthma control.
WHAT IS THE "UNITED AIRWAY HYPOTHESIS"?
This hypothesis refers to the idea that there is a link between the upper and lower airways. For example, seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and sinusitis often trigger asthma.
WHAT ARE ALLERGY SHOTS (ALLERGY IMMUNOTHERAPY OR ALLERGY VACCINE THERAPY)?
Allergy shots are customized injections of allergens. The allergens can include pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, and insect venom. Allergy shot regimens are typically weekly for roughly 16 weeks, and then monthly for an average of 3-4 years. These regimens are also individualized according to the patient's particular needs and the severity of his/her allergy.
ARE ALLERGY SHOTS EFFECTIVE FOR ASTHMA?
Allergy shots have been shown to improve asthma severity in many respected studies. Allergy shots have proven to be effective in managing allergic asthma for many years. For the safety of our asthmatics, we monitor their peak flows prior to the administration of allergy injections.
CAN ALLERGY SHOTS PREVENT ASTHMA?
There are a few studies that have demonstrated that allergy shots can prevent asthma in patients who have hay fever and are at high risk for asthma.
WHAT IS THE YOUNGEST AGE THAT CHILDREN CAN BE TESTED?
Children as young as a few months old can be tested. The number of tests done will be tailored to each patient in terms of both the medical need for testing and emotional maturity of the child.
WHAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN ALLERGIES AND SINUS INFECTIONS?
The sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull that are connected to the nose. Nasal congestion caused by allergies causes obstruction of drainage from the sinus cavities. This can result in repeated sinus infections. Aggressive treatment of allergies in these patients is essential for a good clinical result.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an allergic condition of the skin that frequently is worsened by food and environmental allergies. Identification of the offending allergen with appropriate avoidance measures has been shown to improve eczema.
