Frequently Asked Questions from our patients with Allergic Rhinitis
(Hay Fever) and Asthma. Our responses are of a general nature
and should not be taken as specific medical advice.
I don't know what is wrong with me, could I have an allergy ?
Perhaps, but first a general physical examination is in order.
Non-specific symptoms such as fatigue can certainly have an allergic origin.
A careful review of systems and a physical examination will reveal allergic
stigmata and an absence of signs and symptoms of an alternative diagnosis. I know I have allergies but my usual treatment has stopped working.
A review of your previous diagnosis and treatment regimen is in order.
It is important to consider the possible development of a complication such as a sinus infection, rendering usual allergy medication ineffective..
Other possibilities include continuing exposure to an antigen that has not been identified.
For instance RAST testing may not cover all important Arizona allergens.
Some dog allergies may not be revealed by commercial testing sera
Food allergies should be considered
Non-allergic causes such as the development of LERD
Laryngopharyngeal reflux disorder I had good results from allergy shots before but now my allergies are back.
Previous test results should be reviewed.
Retesting should be considered to determine the development of new sensitivities, with consideration to restarting immunotherapy. I took shots before but they did not help.
There are several possibilities. Previous test results and treatment records should be reviewed and retesting considered. You may have a non-allergic condition such as vasomotor rhinitis, an antigen important to your local environment may have been missed, or you simply did not achieve an effective antigen dose. For optimum results from immunotherapy it is important to reach the strongest dose that you can tolerate. I had large local reactions from the first shot so I gave up.
There are many highly allergic patients in Arizona who cannot tolerate the usual starting dilutions. These individuals must start off with an extremely dilute extract that does not provoke an allergic local reaction. It is unfortunate for these people to give up on shots for often they are the most disabled by their allergies and stand to gain the most from this treatment. My doctors office is too far away and closes early
Ask your Doctor if he or she can recommend a colleague at a more convenient location who could supervise your treatment.