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WHAT IS ALLERGY?
An allergy can be defined as an abnormal
physical reaction to substances, called allergens, that are
harmless to most people. Pollens, house dust mites, mold
spores, animal danders, foods, drugs, dyes, cosmetics, perfumes, and
stinging insects are common sources of allergens. These allergens
can enter the body in different ways: pollens, house dust, and mold
spores are inhaled; food allergens are swallowed; poison ivy and
cosmetics produce symptoms in allergic people by touch; certain
drugs and insect venoms enter the body by being injected.
The immune system produces antibodies as a
defense against infection and other diseases. In allergic people,
an excess of a certain antibody called IgE is often produced. These
IgE antibodies, which are considered immediate hypersesitivity antibodies,
react and release inflammatory chemicals when they
contact allergens and then allergy symptoms are produced. Immediate hypersensitivity
usually occurs within minutes or a hour of an exposure, and can be a life threatening emergency.
Some types of allergic symptoms can occur with other antibodies
such as IgA, IgG, and IgM. These are considered delayed allergy and symptoms
can occur up to 72 hours after exposure.
The measurement of IgE, IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies is the
key to effective allergy diagnosis and treatment
DO MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALLERGIES?
Yes. Recent statistics show that 60 million people (about 20% of the U.S. population) suffer from some form of allergy. Allergy symptoms are responsible for more visits to the Doctor's office than any other single disease in this country.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY?
Allergic symptoms may take many different forms. Symptoms occur frequently:
In the Nose — Allergic Rhinitis or hay fever is associated with nasal itching, congestion, sneezing, post nasal drip and a runny, watery discharge. All of these symptoms are cold-like and are sometimes not recognized as allergy. Sinusitis is often a- complication of allergic rhinitis.
In the Eyes — Conjuctivitis symptoms are itching, redness,
swelling, and tearing.
In the Lungs — Asthma symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and cough. Recurrent bronchial infections can be caused by allergies.
On the Skin — Hives (Urticaria) are itchy welts of varying sizes that may appear on the skin, lips, and inside the mouth and ears.
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Contact Dermatitis symptoms are a blistery rash and intense itching caused by substances such as poison ivy.
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Eczema appears as a dry, itchy rash often along creases of the skin but can also be found on most other parts of the body
In the Digestive Tract— With symptoms of stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea (usually associated with sensitivity to foods).
In the Ears — As fluid in the middle ear or recurrent infections
which can eventually result in some loss of hearing.
In the form of other disorders — Headaches, fatigue, hyperactivity,
and depression can all be symptoms of allergy.
IS ALLERGY AN EMOTIONAL PROBLEM?
No. Allergy is basically a physical disorder but it can be aggravated by stress and emotional strain.
IS ALLERGY INHERITED?
No. The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. Studies have shown if one parent has allergies, the child has approximately a 50% chance of also having allergies. If both parents are allergic, the chances may be as high as 80%.
WILL CHILDREN OUTGROW ALLERGIES?
Sometimes the symptoms of allergy seem to disappear by themselves but research has shown that infants and children who suffer from allergies tend to develop more severe problems later in life if left untreated. Untreated hay fever or asthma in a child may lead to other physical abnormalities and emotional problems (such as learning disorders) therefore, early detection and control of allergies can reduce the possibility of complications in adulthood.
HOW ARE ALLERGIES DIAGNOSED?
For an individual's allergies to be appropriately treated and controlled, it is important that the specific allergen(s) causing allergic symptoms be identified. The first step in diagnosis is a detailed history and physical examination which can provide helpful evidence to confirm the presence of allergy, and in some cases identify the offending substance(s); however, if the history only suggests likely causes of allergy, then the doctor may choose to test the patient using skin tests, a blood test, or both. In years past, the only method of testing for allergies was by scratching or injecting a liquid extract of the suspected offending substance(s) into the skin and observing it for development of a welt somewhat the size of a mosquito bite. Now it is possible to use a blood test to measure a patient's IgG, IgM, IgE and IgA antibodies to a wide variety of allergens. A small sample of blood can be analyzed in the laboratory for a safe and accurate diagnosis. Blood screening tests for allergies are available by clicking here. Skin tests and the blood tests are often used to confirm one another. Both tests provide the doctor with information to help decide how your allergies should be treated.
HOW ARE ALLERGIES TREATED?
An allergy treatment program may include several phases for control of symptoms. Once the offending substance(s) have been identified, it may be possible to simply avoid those things in your environment that cause you to experience allergic symptoms. Many allergens are not avoidable as in the case of pollens, dust, mold spores, etc. Mild to moderate symptoms can many times be controlled by drugs such as antihistamines or these drugs may be used along with "Allergy Injections". "Allergy Injections" — that is, immunotherapy, is prescribed by the Doctor when long-term protection against allergic reactions is needed to control symptoms. Immunotherapy consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the offending allergen(s) which were identified by the skin tests or the blood test. This treatment is designed to gradually build up the patients' tolerance against the substances to which they are allergic.
Here at Chelation Medical Center we do a specialized form of testing called Provocative/ Neutralization. This procedure for immunotherapy skin testing takes one or two days but it enables the patient to get immediate relief from their neutralizing doses and permits them to take their own shots at home rather than coming to the office every week. If the patient comes from afar, antigens can easily be mailed to their home. We believe that preservatives in antigens can cloud the results of skin testing, and have taken the step to provide all of our antigens as preservative free. The normal chemicals found in many other offices for testing, such as phenol and glycerine, is thus eliminated for our chemically sensitive patients. The testing is exact and the benefits are great.
HOW LONG MUST I BE TREATED FOR ALLERGIES?
Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for allergies. How long the doctor decides to continue treatment depends on many different factors and may vary greatly from patient to patient. The doctor may decide to check the immune system's response to immunotherapy at some time during treatment by using a blood test for Specific IgG, often referred to as blocking antibody This test and/or the doctor's observations of progress will determine how long he recommends that you continue treatment. In many cases, the patient experiences so much relief from immunotherapy they feel they are cured and discontinue their injections. When symptoms return the patient must "start over" on the treatment program and build back up to the dosage level that provides relief from symptoms. The most effective treatment program is one where the patient receives treatment at regular intervals, thus affording the patient with the greatest possible relief on a continuing basis.