Monthly Archives: July 2014

Allergic Eye Conditions (allergic conjunctivitis)

Allergic eye conditions, also often referred to as allergic conjunctivitis or ocular allergies, are common eye conditions. If you are sensitive to a certain substance, such as pollen or dust, it can cause allergy eye symptoms.

Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis

An allergen is a substance, which although usually harmless, the body identifies it as harmful. As a result, a chemical reaction occurs, which can cause allergy symptoms. If the allergen irritates the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the inside of the eyelid and the eye, symptoms can develop.

Common causes of allergic eye conditions include mold spores and pollen. Pet dander and dust are common indoor allergens, which may cause allergy eye symptoms. Some people are also allergic to chemicals in makeup or facial creams. In order to determine exactly what is causing an eye allergy, it is best to see an allergist.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an allergic eye condition usually start quickly after exospore to the allergen. Symptoms may include itchy and watering eyes. The eyes may also become swollen, red and sore or burn. Some people also develop sensitivity to light. The condition is annoying but does not cause any vision changes or damage. It can be easy to confuse allergic conjunctivitis with other types of conjunctivitis, such as bacterial or viral. But allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Allergic Eye Condition

Treatments

Treatment for allergic eye conditions starts with a trip to the allergy doctor to determine the allergen. If possible, avoiding the irritating substance may be enough to decrease symptoms. But in some cases, it may be impossible to eliminate the allergen. Medications, such as antihistamines may be recommended. Eye drops or artificial tears may help reduce dryness and irritation. Steroid eye drops may also be used to decrease inflammation. In some instances, your allergist may recommend allergy shots to help you become immune to the allergen.

Certain serious allergic eye conditions, such as infections, may have similar symptoms, so it is important allergic eye conditions are properly diagnosed. Call Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, one of New York City’s best allergists to find the right treatment.

Administration of Immunomudulatory Agents

In many instances, asthma symptoms are linked to allergies. If you suffer from allergic asthma, you know how quickly symptoms can develop if you are exposed to an allergen. Symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath can range from mild to severe. Asthma medications may reduce allergic asthma symptoms. But for some people, asthma symptoms continue to persist and may frequently occur. In addition to medications, such as steroids and bronchodilators, administration of immunomudulatory agents may be recommended to treat allergic asthma.

Why Immunomudulatory Agents are Given?

Immunomudulatory agents are a class of drugs, which modify one or more functions of the immune system. Certain immunomudulatory agents have been used to treat some types of cancer. Currently, the FDA has approved an immunomudulatory agent to treat persistent and moderate asthma.

During an allergic asthma attack, the immune system recognizes an allergen as harmful, and an immune system response occurs. Part of the response of the immune system is to release a substance called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The release of IgE is thought to play a role in the development of allergy asthma symptoms. Certain immunomudulatory agents work by decreasing the action of IgE, which in turn reduces allergic asthma symptoms.

Procedure for Administration of Immunomudulatory Agents

The immunomudulatory agent is administered through a subcutaneous injection in the skin. The number of injections needed and the frequency will be determined after a visit with an allergist. If you have allergic asthma symptoms, which are not controlled by a steroid inhaler, administration of an immunomudulatory agent may reduce the number of asthma attacks due to allergens.

Side Effects

After administration of an immunomudulatory agent, you will be monitored to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. The most common side effect after the injection is redness or soreness at the site.

For more information on administration of immunomudulatory agents or other asthma or allergy treatments, call Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, one of NYC’s top allergists. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Serving all of New York City and the Tri State Area including Zip Codes: Top Allergist NYC Midtown, Chelsea and Clinton: 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10020, 10036 | Gramercy Park and Murray Hill: 10010, 10016, 10017, 10022 | Greenwich Village and Soho: 10012, 10013, 10014 | Lower Manhattan: 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280 | Lower East Side: 10002, 10003, 10009 | Upper East Side: 10021, 10028, 10044, 10128 | Upper West Side: 10023, 10024, 10025

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