Perennial allergies occur throughout the year. Symptoms may include:
They arise because of allergy to dust, pets and indoor molds.
Allergy testing can be performed to determine your allergic triggers, with teaching on avoidance of these triggers.
Seasonal allergies (or hayfever) occur during certain seasons, specifically spring, summer and fall. They arise from exposure to pollens and molds. Symptoms may include:
Allergy testing can be performed to determine your allergic triggers, with teaching on avoidance of these triggers.
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, provide an effective vaccination program that increases immunity to allergens that may trigger one’s allergy symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to a patient over several months. The injections are first given on a weekly basis, and when the maintenance level is reached, eventually on a monthly basis. This process reduces symptoms that are otherwise triggered by allergen exposure. This form is of treatment is the closest thing to a "cure" for allergic symptoms.
For more information on allergy shots, visit
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatareallergyshots.stm
Asthma is a chronic disease, that may be life-threatening if not identified and treated. It is caused by inflammation of the airways in the lungs. This inflammation makes the airways smaller and causes mucous production. These make it more difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Asthma is the most common serious disease among children.
Signs that you might have asthma include:
Many people have "allergic asthma," which means that allergens - like dust mites, mold, animal dander, pollen and cockroaches - make their symptoms worse.
With a detailed history and evaluation, Dr. Bathija can determine if you are experiencing symptoms of asthma and provide you with the appropriate medications. Allergy testing can be performed to determine your allergic triggers, with teaching on avoidance of these triggers.
A sinus infections (also known as sinusitis) is a painful, long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses. Sinuses are the hollow cavities around the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose.
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
Sinusitis is common in the winter. Colds are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, but people with allergies are much more likely to develop sinusitis than people who do not have allergies.
Allergy testing can be performed to determine if your allergic triggers are causing sinus infections. Dr. Bathija can provide education on avoidance of these triggers.
Individuals with food allergies have an allergic reaction when they come in contact with certain foods. This occurs because their immune system overreacts to the proteins in that food. Most food allergies are caused by reactions to:
Although these are the most common causes of food allergy, allergic reactions can happen with virtually any food. Signs of a food allergy include:
Some people with food allergies can have a serious reaction called anaphylaxis. Signs of this kind of reaction include:
If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Allergy testing can be performed to confirm a food allergy. Dr. Bathija can provide instruction on reading food labels, a food allergy action plan and treatment with an Epipen.
In most individuals, an insect sting means a little pain and discomfort. But some people may have trouble breathing, have hives all over their body or “swell” after being stung. These people may be allergic to insect stings. This means that their immune system overreacts to the insect's venom.
Most allergic insect sting reactions are caused by five kinds of insects:
For people who are very allergic to an insect's venom, a sting may cause a dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphylaxis include:
If you are stung by an insect and experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
When necessary, Dr. Bathija tests for stinging allergies from the above insects. If you are found to have an allergy to insect stings, you can reduce your risk of having an allergic reaction by staying indoors during insect season and always carrying an Epipen. You may also be a candidate for allergy shots (immunotherapy), which can protect you the next time you are stung by an insect.
Skin allergies are painful and unpleasant. Symptoms of a skin allergy include:
With a careful history and evaluation, Dr. Bathija may be able to determine the cause of skin allergies and provide you with strategies for treatment and prevention.