Monthly Archives: September 2014

Allergy Shots  

Suffering from allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, congestion, watery eyes and sneezing is not only annoying, it can interfere with your quality of life. The good news is an allergy doctor can provide treatment including allergy shots.

Why Have Allergy Shots?

When you are allergic to a certain substance, referred to as an allergen, your immune system is hypertensive to it.  Your immune system reacts as if the substance was harmful even though it is not. The immune response triggers the release of certain chemicals in the body, which causes typical allergy symptoms.

Unlike taking an antihistamine, which may decrease symptoms temporarily, allergy shots are a long-term treatment. Allergy shots involve injecting a small amount of the allergen into the body repeatedly over the course of months. The goal is to decrease person’s sensitivity to the substance.

How Allergy Shots Work  

Allergy shots may be given once or twice a week over the course of a few months. The level of the allergen is gradually increased in order for you to build up a tolerance to the substance. This tolerance or decreased sensitively often decreases allergy symptoms. After the buildup phase is reached and decreased sensitivity has been achieved, maintenance shots are often administered every few months. Your allergist will determine the best schedule depending on what you are allergic to and your symptoms.

Side Effects of Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are considered safe and serious side effects are uncommon. Redness at the injection site or swelling may occur in some people. Although rare, systemic reactions including wheezing or chest tightness are possible. Your allergy doctor will monitor you after the shot to make sure you do not have a serious reaction.

Allergy symptoms can interfere with your day to day life and make you miserable. Medications can help, but in some cases, it is not the best treatment option. Allergy shots may be a great way to reduce taking allergy medication and be especially helpful if it is impossible to avoid the allergen. For more information or to schedule an appointment with the top allergist in New York City call Dr. Boyan Hadjiev today!

Allergic Skin Conditions

Although anyone can develop skin irritation occasionally, when a particular substance causes the reaction, it is likely due to an allergic skin condition. Allergic skin conditions can cause an immediate skin reaction or a delayed skin reaction. Either way, annoying and uncomfortable symptoms can develop.

Types of Allergic Skin ConditionsAllergic Skin Reactions

One common type of allergic skin condition is hives. Hives are generally raised, itchy bumps on the skin. Most cases of hives are acute and occur shortly after exposure to the allergen. Insect bites and food allergies are common causes of hives.

Another common allergic skin condition is dermatitis. Symptoms include an itchy rash. The skin can also become crusty and dry. Contact dermatitis usually develops after an allergen touches or comes in contact with the skin.

Dermatitis symptoms may develop immediately after contact with the allergen or symptoms may be delayed. When delayed dermatitis symptoms develop, they usually occur a day or so after exposure to the allergen. Nickel and latex are common causes of contact dermatitis.

Treating Allergy Skin Conditions

If you think you have an allergy skin condition, it is best to have your diagnosis confirmed by an allergy doctor. Skin tests may be performed in order to determine what substances you are allergic to.

Once your allergist has identified the cause of your allergy symptoms, appropriate treatment will be recommended. In some instances, the best solution may be to avoid the allergen. For example, if certain cosmetics cause a skin allergy reaction, not using the products may be all that is needed.

In other cases, a person may have many different triggers or allergens, and it may be difficult to avoid all of them. Antihistamines and both oral and topical medications may reduce itching and redness.

Skin allergy symptoms can usually be well managed. Contact one of New York City’s best allergy doctors, Dr. Boyan Hadjiev. Call today to schedule an 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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