| Spring allergies are now in full bloom. The spring allergy season kicked off with tree pollen and in some parts of the country this has been joined by grass pollen. Many of you have already experienced that yearly increase in nasal and eye symptoms. While pollen allergies lead to the more obvious symptoms of runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes, allergic reactions to pollen often leads to some less obvious symptoms.
Allergies are one of the leading triggers for asthma. If you experience more coughing, bronchitis, chest tightness, shortness of breath or wheezing during the pollen season, these symptoms may be triggered by your allergies. Allergies also increase the rate of sinus and ear infections. Allergic inflammation can prevent the ears and sinuses from draining properly which in-turn makes you more likely to develop infections. Getting control of your spring allergies will not only provide relief from your nasal and eye symptoms, it often reduces your need for asthma medications and antibiotics.
Minimizing your exposure to spring pollens will reduce your allergy symptoms. Some basic avoidance tips include:
· Keep windows closed to prevent pollens from drifting into your home.
· Minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted — between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m.
· Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
· Stay indoors when the pollen count (which is available from our home page) is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in the air.
· Machine dry bedding and clothing. Pollen may collect in laundry if it is hung outside to dry.
Of course, avoidance is not always practical. We want to be outdoors and enjoy the spring weather which means exposing ourselves to pollen. Regular use of your allergy medications such as nasal steroids and antihistamines will help control your allergy symptoms. If medications are not providing complete relief or if you prefer to avoid regular mediation use, consider allergy shots (allergy immunotherapy) to gain better control of your allergies. This non-medication treatment contains natural extracts of allergens and slowly reduces the severity of your allergic reactions. Over and over this has been shown to be the most effective treatment for pollen allergies. Allergy shots are effective for 85% of patients, reduce the need for medication and in the long run are less expensive than medication use.
You do not need to live with allergy symptoms and relief is available. If you are experiencing spring allergies, make an appointment with your local Allergy Partners office.
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| All of our offices will be closed on Friday, April 6th, 2012 for Good Friday! We will reopen Monday, April 9th for regular business hours. |
| We are experiencing a phone service outage due to our carrier, Paetec. We have been informed that they are waiting some parts to be delivered before they can fix the widespread outage that has occurred in Winston Salem. We apologize for any inconvenience. Our other offices are not experiencing phone service issues, so feel free to call them directly during this period. If you need urgent medical attention, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You may also call our after hours service if you have questions regarding your refills, medical care, etc. Please keep in mind that they cannot make appointments. Again, we apologize for this inconvenience. Also, if you need to stop by the office, please do so. |
| It is the beginning of spring and I just heard the buzzing of a bee. If you are already having allergy symptoms, don’t be too surprised. In North Carolina, pollen season begins in February. Approximately 35 million Americans have pollen allergies causing symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, roof of mouth as well as itchy throat and sneezing. Allergen exposure in asthmatic patients can trigger cough, wheeze and/or shortness of breath. Importantly, up to 70 % of asthmatics have underlying allergies. People with allergies are also more prone to ear and sinus infections, as well as atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.
Hay Fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is caused by exposure to substances, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander or mold that the immune system typically ignores. However, in people with allergic rhinitis, the immune system mistakenly identifies these allergens as “intruders” and generates a reaction against them.
Most people with pollen allergies are allergic to the pollen of trees, grasses and or weeds. If you experience allergy symptoms all year long, you may have additional allergies to something in your home or work environment, such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold.
The cornerstone of allergy treatment is to avoid the allergens that trigger symptoms. First, know the local pollen count from sources such as Allergy Partners.com or the Weather Channel. Second, identify your specific allergies with the help of a board certified allergist. When pollen peaks, you can take measures to prevent symptoms. These measures would include shutting windows, using air conditioning and staying indoors. Forty five percent of homes have enough dust mites to trigger allergies and asthma. Washing bedding in hot water at 130 degrees and encasing bedding may reduce dust mites in the bedroom. Avoid use of a humidifier since increased humidity promotes mite and mold growth.
A variety of medications are useful in treating symptoms of allergies, asthma and eczema. Antihistamines are useful for alleviating itching and sneezing, while decongestants alleviate congestion. Nasal sprays (both steroid and antihistamine) effectively treat many nasal symptoms while a variety of antihistamine eye drops are available for eye symptoms. Immunotherapy is a very effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma, as well as atopic dermatitis/eczema. Unlike medications that treat symptoms only, immunotherapy truly modifies the immune system and prevents symptoms from developing in the first place. Immunotherapy is effective in approximately 85 % of adults and children, reducing symptoms as well as need for medications. Immunotherapy has also been shown to prevent asthma in young children. When the above types of therapies are needed, a board certified allergist can provide a treatment plan appropriate for each individual and their symptoms.
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| Allergy Partners is the nation's largest single-specialty practice dedicated to the treatment of allergies, asthma, and allergic diseases. All Allergy Partners’ physicians are board-certified allergists who have years of training and experience in the treatment of allergies and asthma. Working together, our physicians are able to combine their expertise to ensure that each and every patient receives the very best care. Our physicians are dedicated to identifying clinical best practices that will ensure the very best outcomes for each patient. Such collaboration produces what we like to call the Allergy Partners Difference.
One example of the Allergy Partners Difference is our state-of-the-art allergen immunotherapy program and extract lab. To ensure that immunotherapy is as safe and effective as possible, it is imperative that the extract be made with the highest quality raw materials, that the dosage be optimized to ensure effectiveness and safety, and that the extract be individualized for the patient. Working with national organizations and extract manufacturers, Allergy Partners has developed a state-of-the-art immunotherapy program. Our centralized extract lab, located in Asheville, North Carolina, produces the highest quality allergen extract possible. Abiding by national immunotherapy standards, all Allergy Partners extract is designed to provide each patient an individualized vaccine that will provide the utmost clinical effectiveness while maintaining patient safety.
Allergy Partners is also committed to using the latest technology to improve patient outcomes. Allergy Partners has adopted electronic health records to improve patient safety and communication with referring physicians. All Allergy Partners physicians also employ a secure internal e-mail system that allows them to virtually discuss difficult cases with the entire group of allergists. This affords the patient with access to not just his or her allergist, but a network of over 60 board-certified allergists to help solve the problem.
Allergy Partners is dedicated to patient education. Our new website was built and designed by our physicians and contains a wealth of educational material to help families and patients manage their allergies and asthma. You can also find information about upcoming events and news, as well as local allergy and asthma information by ‘Liking’ us on Facebook and ‘Following’ us on Twitter.
We invite you to learn more about Allergy Partners, the conditions we treat, and the services we provide by browsing our website, visiting our social media pages or contacting the practice. Check back often for new updates and the latest information!
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| Allergy Partners is the nation’s largest single-specialty medical practice dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of allergy, asthma and immunology. All Allergy Partners physicians have specialized training and years of experience in the field. By working together, our physicians are able to provide state of the art care to all of our patients using the latest technology and applying best practices.
We recognize that allergies, asthma and allergic diseases present in myriad ways and that no two patients are the same. To that end, our goal is to apply our collective knowledge and resources to provide each and every patient comprehensive, personalized, and compassionate care. When visiting one of our physicians, you can expect a detailed medical history, a thorough physical exam, and appropriate diagnostic testing. Based on this information, you and your doctor will work together to devise a treatment plan that not only addresses your symptoms, but aims to improve your quality of life. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your family to improve your health and well being. |
| Learn more about the hidden triggers at the gym that you can avoid. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) estimates that up to 80% of people with allergic asthma will experience symptoms when they engage in strenuous exercise.
How to Avoid Triggers at the Gym
- Avoid saunas and pools if they are using irritating chemicals
- Use your own latex-free exercise mats
- Take an antihistamine before entering the gym to prevent a reaction from chemicals used inside
- Try to choose high-quality natural fabric when buying workout gear
- Use your inhaler as directed before you exercise
- Warm up and cool down properly so you don't overtax your respiratory system
- Skip your workout when feeling sick
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Welcome to our blog site! Stay tuned to get the latest news. We
will share tips and techniques for living with and managing your Allergies &
Asthma. We look forward to sharing useful resources with our patients! |
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