Monthly Archives: May 2023
Effectiveness of Immunotherapy in Allergy Treatment
What is the effectiveness of immunotherapy in allergy treatment? Allergies can be a real nuisance and can severely affect your quality of life. They can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and even more severe symptoms like anaphylaxis. While there are many different treatment options available for allergies, one treatment option that has gained popularity in recent years is immunotherapy. In this blog post, we will explore what immunotherapy is, how it works, and its effectiveness in allergy treatment.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a treatment that involves exposing a person to small amounts of an allergen over time, with the goal of reducing their sensitivity to that allergen. The process typically involves regular injections, usually given over a period of several years.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
The immune system is the body’s defense against harmful substances, including allergens. When the immune system encounters an allergen, it produces antibodies that trigger an allergic reaction. Immunotherapy works by exposing the immune system to small amounts of the allergen, which over time helps the immune system build up a tolerance to the allergen. As the immune system becomes desensitized to the allergen, the severity of the allergic reaction is reduced.
Effectiveness of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment option for allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, immunotherapy can reduce allergy symptoms in up to 85% of patients. It can also help prevent the development of new allergies and reduce the risk of asthma in children with allergies.
While immunotherapy can be a highly effective treatment option for allergies, it is important to note that it is not a quick fix. The process can take several years to complete, and results may not be noticeable for several months. Additionally, not everyone is a candidate for immunotherapy, and it is important to discuss your options with an allergist or immunologist.
Types of Immunotherapy
There are two main types of immunotherapy:
Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT)
SCIT involves injecting small amounts of the allergen into the patient’s skin, usually in the upper arm. The injections are given on a regular schedule, typically once or twice a week for several months, followed by less frequent injections over a period of several years.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
SLIT involves placing a small amount of the allergen under the patient’s tongue. The allergen is absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth. SLIT is typically given daily and can be continued at home.
Is Immunotherapy Right for You?
If you suffer from allergies, immunotherapy may be a good option for you. However, it is important to talk to an allergist or immunologist to determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment. They will take into account your medical history, the severity of your allergies, and other factors to determine if immunotherapy is right for you.
Effectiveness of Immunotherapy in Allergy Treatment: Conclusion
Immunotherapy can be an effective treatment option for allergies, and it is important to discuss your options with an allergist or immunologist. While it may take several years to complete, immunotherapy can help reduce allergy symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Contact Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, also known as “Dr. Sneeze” today for allergy testing and to discuss your allergy treatment options:
Dr. Boyan Hadjiev
Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C.
30 East 40th Street, Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
Call 212-319-5282 or visit https://drsneeze.com for more information.
Anaphylaxis: Causes and How to Respond
In this blog post, we will discuss what anaphylaxis is, what causes it, and how to respond in case of an emergency. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. It can happen quickly, within minutes or even seconds, and can affect multiple organs in the body.
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Skin reactions such as hives, itching, and flushing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
These symptoms can develop quickly and progress rapidly, making it essential to seek medical attention immediately.
What Causes Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen. The most common allergens that can cause anaphylaxis include:
- Food, especially peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and dairy
- Insect stings, such as from bees, wasps, and hornets
- Medications, including antibiotics, aspirin, and chemotherapy drugs
- Latex, which is found in gloves, balloons, and other products
- In some cases, exercise, cold weather, or emotional stress can trigger anaphylaxis
How to Respond to Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of anaphylaxis, follow these steps:
- Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
- If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen), use it right away as directed.
- Make the person lie down and elevate their legs if possible.
- Loosen tight clothing and cover them with a blanket.
- Do not give anything to eat or drink, as it can obstruct the airway.
- Monitor the person’s breathing and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary
Preventing Anaphylaxis
If you have a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent future episodes. Here are some tips:
- Identify and avoid triggers: Work with an allergist to determine the specific allergens that cause your anaphylaxis and learn how to avoid them.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector: Make sure to have your epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times and know how to use it correctly.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet: A medical alert bracelet can inform others about your anaphylaxis and provide emergency contact information.
- Develop an emergency action plan: Work with your allergist to develop an emergency action plan that outlines the steps to take in case of anaphylaxis.
Causes & How to Respond to Anaphylaxis: Conclusion
In conclusion, anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding the causes and symptoms of anaphylaxis is important in order to prevent and respond to it effectively. If you or a loved one has experienced anaphylaxis, it is important to seek medical attention right away and follow up with an allergist for further evaluation and treatment.
At Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C, Dr. Boyan Hadjiev provides comprehensive allergy testing and treatment services, including immunotherapy, medication management, and personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With his expertise and experience, Dr. Hadjiev can help patients identify their specific allergens and develop strategies to avoid them, as well as provide emergency plans and epinephrine auto-injectors to prevent and manage anaphylaxis.
If you or a loved one is experiencing allergies or has a history of anaphylaxis, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Hadjiev and his team at Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C. They are committed to providing the highest quality care and helping patients live healthy, allergy-free lives.
Contact them today to schedule a consultation and take control of your allergies.
Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C
Boyan Hadjiev, MD
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
212-319-5282
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
[wpseo_address oneline="0" show_state="1" show_phone="1" show_email="1"]
[wpseo_map width="500" height="300" zoom="12" map_style="roadmap" scrollable="1" show_route="0" show_state="1" show_url="1"]