Fall Allergy Survival

Effective Personalized Treatments for Long-Term Relief

For many, fall is the best time of year. The changing colors of the leaves, the crisp smell of the air, and the delicious fall spices in every sweet treat make this season hard to beat. However, the arrival of fall also means the return of fall allergy season, which hits hard for many of the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies each year.

These allergies, affecting nearly one in five people in the US, cast a shadow over the otherwise delightful season.

The bloom of ragweed pollen marks the onset of a season fraught with allergic rhinitis triggers, leading to distressing allergy and asthma exacerbations.

The timing of peak pollen counts, typically in mid-September, demands strategic planning to minimize exposure. Moreover, the cascade of falling leaves leads to elevated mold spore levels, intensifying the allergen onslaught. Prudent measures, like keeping doors and windows closed, switching air filters, and promptly changing clothes after yard work, can significantly alleviate symptoms. Thinking of jumping into that leaf pile? Think again!

Thankfully, there is hope for allergy sufferers, – the board-certified allergists at Allergy & Asthma Specialists, who are armed with allergy expertise! They can uncover the root causes of allergies and provide personalized treatment plans that not only enhance quality of life but also reduce dependence on medications. If you’re among the allergy-afflicted, here’s your roadmap to relief:

Unmasking Allergies: Recognizing Symptoms

The symptoms of allergies are varied and encompass a range of discomforts. From the frustrating congestion and relentless headaches to the maddening itchiness of the eyes and persistent coughing, allergies can swiftly transform daily life into a trial.

Furthermore, the consequences of untreated allergies are not to be taken lightly. Complications such as ear, lung, and sinus infections, as well as a persistent cough, can arise, escalating the severity of the condition.

Allergies and asthma are one of the most common reasons for missed school and work.

Treatment Options

Beyond Quick Fixes: The Shortcomings of Over-the-Counter Solutions

While it’s tempting to self-diagnosis and treat allergies, it’s nearly impossible to strike the right balance using over the counter (OTC) medicines. OTC treatments merely scratch the surface, often accompanied by side effects – sleeplessness, nervousness, drowsiness, increased blood pressure, headaches, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. These temporary fixes miss the mark when it comes to addressing the fundamental causes of allergies.

Personalized treatments are the cornerstone of modern allergy management. This realm is dominated by two powerful options, and both are offered at a Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT), and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT).

Expert-Driven Allergy Treatments: Personalization is Key

• Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): SCIT is a type of allergy treatment that involves injecting small amounts of allergens under the skin. Once allergens are identified, an allergy extract is produced for each patient based on their results. Injections of the extract are administered in the office by a professional. When treatment begins, injections are given on a weekly basis with gradually increasing concentrations. Within three to six months, patients notice a decrease in allergy symptoms. Thereafter, patients return monthly for injections. Over time, your body builds up a tolerance to the allergens, which will reduce or even eliminate your allergy symptoms.
• Sublingual Immunotherapy – Allergy Drops and Tablets:
  Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is another method of treating allergies, but without injections. After skin testing patients for possible allergens and the allergy extract is produced based on each individual patient’s results. The extract is dropped daily under the tongue by the patient in the convenience of their home. Patients don’t have to come into the office for injections on a regular basis, making it ideal for those who are needle-averse, travel or have particularly hectic schedules. Patients place the drops under the tongue to boost tolerance to those allergens and subsequently reduce symptoms.

The physicians of Allergy & Asthma Specialists are also on the forefront of prescribing SLIT tablets for patients specifically allergic to grasses or ragweed.  Tablets are prescribed by the board-certified allergist and are obtained at your pharmacy. Both forms of SLIT can alter the immune system from allergic to non-allergic over time and is tailored to each patient’s particular allergies, unlike over-the-counter medicines.

Reclaiming Your Life from Allergies Immunotherapy Leads to Remission of Allergic Disease

Both SCIT and SLIT are highly effective treatments for allergy sufferers, yielding long-term results without the side effects of OTC medicines. By treating the symptoms specific to each individual patient, immunotherapy can improve the quality of life and alter the course of the disease. Plus, the extracts are made in Allergy & Asthma Specialists’ lab under the supervision of a board-certified allergist to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The results mean getting back to living life and enjoying a cozy, colorful autumn without worrying about allergies.

Allergy & Asthma Specialists can help you be free from allergies and asthma’s clutches. It all starts with a simple allergy test.  Results are available in minutes. Don’t merely survive fall; thrive in it by taking the first step toward comprehensive allergy management.

For more information, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-86-COUGH or book online.

Feel better. Sleep better. Look better. See an allergist. 

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