Measuring the Severity of Allergies

Author: Dr. Michael Menachof

Sniffling, sneezing, and congestion—these symptoms frequently plague Colorado allergy sufferers in the warmer months and throughout the year. But even if you experience the symptoms, it can be hard to determine whether you should visit an allergy specialist or an ear, nose, and throat physician (ENT). Here is an overview of the types of allergies, when you should see a specialist for your allergies, and what an allergist or ENT can do to help you feel better.

What kinds of allergies are there?

Allergies come in several different forms, and reactions can manifest across the body—not just in the nose. Part of treating your allergies requires understanding what's causing them and where your allergic reactions are occurring.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

Hay fever is a general term used to describe allergic reactions that happen in the nose during the spring, summer, and fall months; sniffling, sneezing, and congestion are among the most common reactions that occur in the nose. Allergy sufferers may also experience itching in the nose, eyes, and throat. If you have these sorts of symptoms throughout the year, it's likely you have allergic rhinitis.

Contact Dermatitis/Skin Allergies

Another common form of allergies is contact dermatitis, or skin allergies. Often, those who have sensitive skin or who are particularly allergic to certain chemicals, pet dander, or foods will develop hives or rashes on the area where allergens come into contact with the skin.

Although ENTs typically deal with the nose and throat when it comes to allergies, many treat all forms of allergies, including skin allergies.

When should you see an Allergist or ENT?

For mild allergies that are seasonal or do not affect your quality of life, you may only need over-the-counter antihistamines to live comfortably and manage symptoms. However, if you have any of the following symptoms frequently, you may need to see an allergist or ENT:

Sneezing

Itchy eyes

Runny nose

Nasal congestion

Difficulty breathing through the nose

Rashes

Sinus infections

Constricted throat or wheezing

If you feel your allergies diminish your ability to enjoy activities or require limitations to your life, then it may be helpful to visit a specialist who treats allergy problems in Colorado. In some cases, allergies can be so severe that they can cause asthma-like symptoms, which can make it difficult to exercise and participate in daily activities.

Treating your allergies

In addition to the other ENT services I offer, like prescribing custom hearing aids in Colorado, I treat patients' allergies by first determining what they are allergic to. This can be done through allergy testing. After evaluating the test results, I can then discuss different treatment options with my patients. These treatments may include over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription allergy medications and allergy shots or more convenient is sublingual immunotherapy.

Using your allergy test results as a guideline, we are able to create a custom formulation of the things you are allergic to and mix them together in a small bottle. You then put 3 drops from the bottle under your tongue daily. The drops stimulate your immune system to build up blocking antibodies, which actually hide the allergies from your immune system, causing your allergy symptoms to disappear. Allergy drops are perfect for people of all ages, from kids to adults. In fact, many recent studies have shown that if allergies are treated early, other allergy related problems such as asthma, tonsillitis, ear infections and sinusitis can actually be prevented. If you or a loved one suffers from seasonal allergies, take the steps toward lasting relief today and give us a call. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and get you on the path to being allergy free.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/allergies-articles/measuring-the-severity-of-allergies-5214808.html

About the Author

Dr. Menachof specializes in the latest techniques for procedures such as Quicklift™, brow lift, neck lift, upper eyelid surgery, and face lift for Denver, Colorado patients and those from surrounding communities such as Englewood, Littleton, Aurora and Cherry Creek. He is also a board-certified otolaryngologist that uses the latest treatments and technologies to ensure the highest quality of care for patients seeking Denver, Colorado allergy and asthma treatment, hearing aids, and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Visit his web sites for more detailed information.

Kids Food Allergies

Author: Julia

How do you determine if your child will be allergic to food? Are you one of those people who just try different foods you eat with your child or did you take your child to be tested? It seems that the parent would have the responsibility to have their child tested for allergies related to foods to avoid problems. This will also give you a list of items you do not give the child before ending up in the emergency room. It seems that every parent who has food allergies would be wise to test their own child. So now you know what your child is allergic too, but how do you treat children with food allergies?

Children with food allergies tend to suffer from milk, egg, peanut, nuts, seafood, and more people are allergic to shellfish other allergies that exist. Since food allergies are related to children's immune systems could simply be that after a few years they have built the tolerance they need and can start eating food. In most cases of children with food allergies will need a system of rotation. As a child is more likely to become subject to such things as allergies because their system is still growing. This means that if you feed the same food all the time the child because you cut the food they are allergic to you'll find new allergies developing.
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The rotation speed of food is very simple once you learn to use it. Children with food allergies will not be able to have the same foods within four days. In other words what the ingredients of foods you've given on Monday can be repeated until Friday. This ensures that antibodies against the food was removed from the system and that the child will not develop new food allergies.

Kids Food Allergies

Children with food allergies can be a little more or less handle a lot of worry. You must make sure camps, schools, parents, teachers and anyone else who is involved in the lives of your children understand food allergies and take precautions. Children also have to understand what they can and can not eat. For example, a child might be allergic to peanuts, which means they need to know there are several products with peanuts in them, and they need to check the package before accepting any what food.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/allergies-articles/kids-food-allergies-5214944.html