Newly Approved Grass Allergy Tablet: The Pros and Cons

Check out this link from the ACAAI to learn more about the pros and cons of the new grass allergy tablet: 

http://www.acaai.org/allergist/news/New/Pages/AllergyTabletApprovalWarrantsCautionfor_Some.aspx

Grass allergies don't have to limit world-class sports

While tennis champion Sabine Lisicki talks about managing her grass allergies with medications, playing a sport on grass can often be managed even more effectively through desensitization to grass by allergen immunotherapy, or "allergy shots".  Bottom line: no need to give up your favorite sport just because grass exposure is involved.  Call if you need some help with managing your allergies so that you can focus on your game!

 

Read Sabine's story here

 

Fall Allergy Tips!

Look out for ragweed and mold! They are 2 of the main culprits that can cause allergy symptoms in the Fall.

Ragweed and other weeds are the biggest allergy triggers in the Fall. They begin pollinating in August and can travel hundreds of miles in the wind.

Mold thrives in damp areas such as in the piles of damp leaves lining yards and streets, bathrooms, and damp basements.
 

Here are some tips to manage your Fall allergies:

• Limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high and close your windows during windy days to keep pollen from blowing in. (check daily pollen counts in your zip code on our website: www.southbayallergy.com)
• Use your HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, which removes at least 99% of pollen, as well as animal dander, dust and other particles.
• Wear a mask when raking leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.
• Before turning on the heater for the first time, clean the heating ducts and change the filters because mold and dust particles can become trapped in the vents over summer.

If you have symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or itchy eyes or throat, you should see an allergist to discuss treatment options like prescription medications or allergy shots.

For more information, please visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com

Source: ACAAI

What are allergy shots?

Allergen immunotherapy ("allergy shots") treats the root cause of allergies such as reactivity to grass, tree, or weed pollens, cats or dogs, or dust mites, by gradually building tolerance -- instead of just temporarily symptoms as medications do.

With a course of immunotherapy, an allergic person can build lifelong tolerance to many of these allergy triggers, avoiding the need for chronic allergy medicines.


For more about what allergy shots can do for you, click here.

What Happens in a Nasal Allergy Attack?

Allergy Causes:
Allergy triggers can be anywhere. Pollen, ragweed, grass, pet dander, dust mites, and mold are some of the most common allergens. People who have allergies have an immune system that is sensitive to one or more of these usually harmless substances.

Allergens: The Invader

Normally your immune system targets and protects you against threats like viruses and bacteria. But if you're allergic to pollen, for example, your immune system sees pollen as a threat. So when you're exposed to pollen, your immune system is ready to fight.

What Triggers an Allergy

It’s easy to come in contact with allergens. Chasing after dust bunnies, playing with your pet, or just walking out the door during allergy season can do it. An allergic reaction is set in motion by touching, swallowing, or inhaling an allergen.

Your Immune System Reacts

Pollen (magnified above) can get caught in the lining of your nose and trachea, or windpipe. Once an allergen, such as pollen, enters your body, your immune system reacts and starts making antibodies that help look for and then get rid of the pollen.

Allergic Response: Histamine Release

When antibodies find an allergen, they alert mast cells. These specialized blood cells release chemicals such as histamine, which plays a key role in inflammation and allergy symptoms. A runny nose, swelling in the nasal passages, and congestion can result.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies tend to run in families. Having a parent with allergies or asthma puts you at greater risk. When one parent has allergies, about 25% of the time the child will develop them, too. When both parents are allergic, that risk at least doubles. What you develop an allergy to also depends on your exposure to triggers. Some allergies can take years to develop.

Preventing Allergies

Avoid triggers when possible to prevent allergy attacks. That may mean checking pollen or mold reports before heading outside. If levels are high, consider wearing a mask. During allergy season, showering before going to bed helps you avoid sleeping with pollen trapped in your hair. Also keep windows closed and run the air conditioner. Vacuuming twice a week can help cut down on allergens.

 

Treating Allergies

Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, and nasal sprays also may help control symptoms and provide allergy relief. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about which might help you.

When to See an Allergist

If you don't know what's causing your allergies, or if they're severe, an allergy doctor can help. An allergist or immunologist will take your medical history and may perform allergy tests. One type -- a patch test -- is shown here. Tests expose you to possible allergens to see which ones cause a reaction. Depending on your allergies, prescription medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended.

Source: WebMD

Allergy Shots: Worth the Wait

Q. Why do I have to wait 15 minutes after allergy shots at the doctor's office? I've never had an allergic reaction.

A. Waiting for 15 minutes after receiving an allergy shot is inconvenient, I know. But allergy shots contain what the individual is allergic to, so the major risk from an allergy shot is an allergic reaction.

Intuitively, you might think such reactions would be most likely to occur during the build-up phase of allergy shots - the initial period of about three to six months where the dose of allergen you receive is gradually increased - but it turns out that's not the case. Reactions can happen at any time, even long after a maintance dose has been achieved (that's when the shots get less frequent and keep up your immunity to the allergen).

While most reactions to allergy shots are mild, there is a small risk of a serious reaction. And rapid treatment is key in preventing mild reactions from progressing into more serious ones. The vast majority of allergy shot reactions occur within 15 minutes of the injection, but occasionally they happen later.

The professional allergy associations' joint recommendation is that to ensure safety, individuals should stay in the doctor's office for at least 15 minutes after receiving an allergy shot. Patients who have experienced reactions more than 15 minutes after an allergy shot should be observed for a longer period of time.

Source: White MD, Martha. Allergy & Asthma Today, Volume 9, Issue 4. Winter 2011.