August 7, 2019
Immunotherapy could be the “shot in the arm” you need to treat your allergies.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (August 7, 2019)– You may think you can’t tell the difference between the symptoms caused by spring, summer and fall allergies. They all usually involve sneezing, sniffling, itchy eyes and a runny nose. And while symptoms for eachAllergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food." rel="tooltip">allergyseason may be similar, the treatment can look very different, particularly ifImmunotherapy is a form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular "blocking" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future." rel="tooltip">immunotherapyis an option.
“Immunotherapy, in the form of allergy shots or under-the-tongue tablets, can make a huge difference for allergy sufferers,” says allergist Todd Mahr, MD, president of the American College of Allergy,Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes where the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers." rel="tooltip">Asthmaand Immunology (ACAAI). “Both allergy shots and tablets work by changing yourThe immune system is a collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms (microscopic life-forms), such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The immune system plays a role in the control of cancer and other diseases, but also is the culprit in the phenomena of allergies, hypersensitivity and the rejection of transplanted organs, tissues and medical implants." rel="tooltip">immune system. They decrease some cells, chemicals, and antibodies in your system that cause allergy symptoms and increase others that improve health. Allergy shots and tablets allow you to encounter your allergens without having a reaction.”
Ragweedis the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Ragweed usually starts releasing pollen with cool nights and warm days in August and can last into October or until the first hard frost. Most people who are allergic to spring plants are also allergic to ragweed. Luckily, ragweed is one of the pollens that can be treated with both allergy shots and tablets.
Allergy shots can be used to treat all grass, tree and weed pollens, mold spores, cat and dog dander and house dust mites. If you are allergic to more than one of these things, your allergist will formulate a shot targeted to treat your specific allergens.
Allergy tablets treat one allergen at a time and are available for grass and ragweed pollens, and for dust mites. The tablets need to be started at least three months before allergy season begins. Talk with your allergist to see if this might be a good option for you.
If you are treating your allergy symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medications, it’s important to start taking fall allergy medication two weeks or so before symptoms usually begin. You should also continue your medication for two weeks after the first hard frost. Both nasal andeye symptomsassociated with ragweed allergies can linger after pollen is no longer in the air.
While you treat your symptoms, you should also know what’s causing your allergies because, if possible, you want to avoid the allergens in daily life. So how do you avoid allergens?
第一道防线是避免触发器。房颤ter spending time outdoors you should shower, change and wash your clothes. While working outdoors, wear a NIOSH N95-rated filter mask. Only N95 masks filter out pollen due to its micro size. Be sure to also keep your car and home windows closed. When you do go outside, wear a hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.
If you suffer from anyseasonal allergies, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are trained to diagnose and treat your symptoms, and to work with you to create an individual action plan so you can live the life you want.
If you think you might be one of the more than 50 million Americans that suffer from allergy and asthma, find an allergist in your area with theallergist locator tool.
About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visitAllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us onFacebook,PinterestandTwitter.
