Immune System

The immune system is a network of cell types working together to defend and protect the body from “invaders” such as viruses, infections and disease. If you suffer from allergies, your body’s immune system may overreact to certain allergens*. Or, if you have an immunodeficiency disorder, your body’s immune system is compromised and has difficulty fighting infections.

Immunotherapy

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The concept behind immunotherapy (allergy shots) is that the immune system can be desensitized to specific allergens that trigger allergy symptoms. The allergen(s) are identified through a combination of a medical evaluation performed by a trained allergist, and an allergy diagnostic testing (skin or allergy blood tests).

Allergy immunotherapy is a proven effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and stinging insect allergy. It also may be effective in some individuals with atopic dermatitis (eczema) if they have allergies to airborne allergens. Currently, immunotherapy for food allergies* is not recommended and strict avoidance of the food is advised although investigations with oral desensitization for food allergies are in progress in the United States. Immunotherapy can potentially lead to lasting remission of allergy symptoms, and it may play a preventive role in the development of asthma and new allergies.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

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Corticosteroids are medications used to treat asthma and some allergic conditions such as skin allergy. These corticosteroids are not the same steroids used by athletes. Inhaled corticosteroids are medications used to specifically treat asthma and they are taken by using an inhaler. This medication should be taken consistently so that it decreases inflammation in the airways of your lungs and prevents asthma flare-ups.

Corticosteroids are considered the most effective long term usage medication for control and management of asthma. Depending upon the severity of your asthma, your physician may combine an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting beta-2 agonist* to treat your condition. Oral and intravenous corticosteroids may be required for acute asthma flare-ups or for severe symptoms. Topical corticosteroid cream medications are used to treat allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Inhaler

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See Asthma Inhalers

Insect Allergy

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The majority of insect stings come from wraps, yellow jackets, hornets and bees, and in the southern states the imported red or black fire ant.

The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. Mostly from a local pain, swelling and redness confined to the sting site.

The most serious allergic one, including:

  1. Generalized hives, itching, and swelling.
  2. Abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea or diarrhea.
  3. Tightness in chest and difficulty in breathing
  4. Hoarse voice or swelling of tongue, throat or difficulty swallowing.

In even more severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis can occur within minutes and may be life threatening.

There is a 60% chance of having a similar or worse reaction if a person had a previous allergic reaction.

The long-term treatment of insect allergy is called venom immunotherapy, a highly effective program administered by an allergist, immunologist specialist.

Lactose Intolerance

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Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that happens when an individual does not produce enough lactase enzymes in the small intestine to digest the lactose in dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping and bloating. Some of the symptoms of lactose intolerance and a food allergy may be similar. However, the difference between intolerant to dairy and having a food allergy to dairy is important. Consuming a dairy product can make you miserable if you are intolerant to it. The reaction to a food allergy can be life threatening.

Diagnosing lactose intolerance can be done through three different tests. During a lactose tolerance test, your doctor will measure the glucose in your blood after you drink a high lactose beverage. A hydrogen breath test is essentially the same but after drinking the high lactose beverage, you will be asked to breath into a device that will measure hydrogen levels in your system. If you are not able to tolerate either of these tests, your doctor can also perform a stool acid test.

There is no cure for lactose intolerance but you can manage your symptoms by avoiding dairy products or by taking an enzyme medication to assist with the lactose breakdown in your intestines. It is very important to be seen by an allergist to determine if you have an “intolerance” or “allergy” to lactose before making any changes to your diet or taking medications.

Latex Allergy

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Latex allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex is used to make some gloves, condoms, balloons, rubber bands, erasers and toys. Latex can also be in bottle nipples and pacifiers. Synthetic products, including latex house paints, have not been shown to pose any hazard to latex-sensitive individuals. Certain fruits and vegetables (such as bananas, chestnuts, kiwi, avocado and tomato) can cause allergic symptoms in some latex-sensitive individuals. Exposure to latex often results in contact dermatitis* symptoms. However, in some individuals, latex allergy can trigger a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Mast Cells

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Mast cells play an important role in the immune system, and these cells are directly related to allergic reactions. If you have allergies and are exposed to an allergen, your immune system senses a foreign invader. This triggers mast cells to release an inflammatory substance called histamine, causing an allergic reaction.

Metal Patch Test

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Certain metals (especially nickel or gold) can cause contact dermatitis (see also “contact dermatitis”) A pre-operative patch test may help guide the selection of an implant in patients with high suspicion of metal allergy. Patients are typically asked to wear the patch for 48 hours, keeping it dry for that period. The allergist will then ask to return twice to check on the reaction. The patch test conducted by an allergist will determine what caused the reaction so that the allergen or irritant can be avoided in the future. The patient will receive a list of what they are allergic and also a list of products that they can use.

Nasal Polyps

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Nasal polyps are growths on the lining of the sinuses and nasal passages. Nasal polyps can develop when the mucous membrane of your nasal passages and sinuses are inflamed, typically for 12 weeks or more. Some of these growths can be large enough to block the nasal passages. When this occurs, it can lead to breathing problems, frequent sinus infections or loss of ability to smell. Nasal polyps are often associated with respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis (chronic sinusitis), asthma or cystic fibrosis. Sensitivity to aspirin can also lead to the development of nasal polyps.

Common symptoms of nasal polyps include:

• Runny nose with clear or colored mucus

• Stuffy nose

• Postnasal drip

• Loss or decreased sense of smell and taste

• Headache, sinus pressure

• Itching around the eyes