• A doctor can diagnose sinusitis through a physical examination, but may also require allergy testing, x-rays or use of a fiber-optic scope.
• Treatments for sinusitis include antibiotics, decongestants, nasal sprays or non-medicinal therapies such as hot packs, humidifiers and salt water rinses.
• many people can prevent sinusitis by reducing their allergy symptoms-allergy shots, avoiding exposure to allergy triggers and use of medications may be helpful.

For more information on sinusitis, allergies and asthma, please call Coastal Allergy & Asthma, PC today!

Information from AAAAI.org

 Myth: “as long as the nasal discharge is clear, it is an allergy.”  Clear mucous from a runny nose is often associated with a cold.

The most common food allergens are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts.

•  A recent study showed that up to 25% of adults believe they have a food allergy; but, scientific studies have shown that in reality only about 2% truly do.
• Up to 5% of children have food allergies; most will outgrow their allergies, although allergy to peanuts, shellfish and tree nuts may be lifelong.
• There is no proven relationship between ADD or ADHD and food allergies.
• Allergic symptoms can begin within minutes to one hour after ingesting the food.
• Symptoms of food allergy include: vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, hives, eczema, swelling, itching or swelling of the lips, itchiness or tightness in the throat, and difficulty breathing.
• There is no cure for food allergies; strict avoidance of the food is the only way to prevent a reaction.
• Epi-Pen can be given to control symptoms after a reaction occurs.   If your doctor prescribes an Epi-Pen for you, keep it with you at all times.

•  Allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States. Over half of all Americans test positive to at least one allergen.
•  Over 35 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”. Hay fever occurs when exposure to allergens like grass, pollen, mold, dust mites and animal dander cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, teary eyes, congestion, dark circles under the eyes, and itching in the eyes, nose, or throat.
• Allergic dermatitis (itchy rash) is the most common skin condition in children under age 11.
• Dust Mites and their waste are the most common allergens to cause allergic reactions.
• Symptoms of stinging insect allergy may include itching, redness and swelling at the sting site. More serious reactions, such as swelling outside the immediate sting area, shortness of breath or hives, may require immediate medical attention.
• One in four people with seasonal allergies also have asthma.
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is ultimately successful in over 90% of patients with conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, insect allergy, and other allergic diseases.
• Skin testing in a qualified allergist’s office can determine what substances you are allergic to.
• Only a board certified allergist has the advanced training and specialized equipment necessary to offer you the best treatment options for your allergic conditions.

Allergens, such as pollen, mold and animal dander, are substances that trigger allergy symptoms when an allergic person is exposed to them. Patients who receive immunotherapy are injected with increasing amounts of an allergen over several months. Immunotherapy has proven to prevent the development of new allergies and, in children, it can prevent the progression of allergic disease from allergic rhinitis to asthma. It can also lead to the long-lasting relief of allergy symptoms after treatment is stopped.

How Does it Work?

Immunotherapy works like a vaccine. Your body responds to the injected amounts of a particular allergen, given in gradually increasing doses, by developing immunity or tolerance to the allergen(s). As a result, allergy symptoms decrease or minimize when a patient is exposed to that allergen in the future. There are generally two phases to immunotherapy:

• Build-up phase: This involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens about one to two times per week. The length of this phase depends upon how often the injections are received, but generally ranges from three to six months.
• Maintenance phase:This begins once the effective therapeutic dose is reached. The effective maintenance dose depends on the patient’s level of allergen sensitivity and his or her response to the immunotherapy build-up phase. During the maintenance phase, there will be longer periods of time between immunotherapy treatments, ranging from two to four weeks. Your allergist/immunologist will decide what range is best for you.

You may notice a decrease in symptoms during the build-up phase, but it may take as long as 12 months on the maintenance dose to notice an improvement. The effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments appears to be related to how long the treatment lasts, as well as the dose of the allergen. If you haven’t seen recognizable improvement after a year of maintenance therapy, work with your allergist/immunologist to discuss other treatment options.

When Can Immunotherapy be Helpful?

Immunotherapy is recommended for people with allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and stinging insect allergies. Immunotherapy for food allergies is not recommended.

The best option for people with food allergies is to strictly avoid that food.

Immunotherapy should only be given under the supervision of a specialized physician in a facility equipped with proper staff and equipment to identify and treat adverse reactions to allergy injections. Ideally, immunotherapy should be given in the prescribing allergist/immunologist’s office, but if this it not possible, your allergist/immunologist should provide the supervising physician with comprehensive instructions about your immunotherapy treatment. Adverse reactions to immunotherapy are rare but do require immediate medical attention, which is why immunotherapy should be administered in a medical facility appropriately outfitted with equipment and staff capable of identifying and treating these reactions.