The feeling is all but disheartening. Anticipating the sting, the bruising and twenty minute wait afterwards to check for possible reactions. Dreading the moment when you will be called from the waiting room and into the doctor’s office where a waiting nurse pulls out a syringe, raises her eyebrows and smiles knowingly. It’s time for your weekly allergy shot.

This treatment is not unusual for many Americans suffering from allergies today. However, many patients are unknowingly wrong in thinking that these series of painful, ongoing allergy shots are their only option in the treatment and control of their allergy symptoms.

According to a study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), more than 50 million Americans are afflicted with allergies including the most common case, chronic sinusitis. Affecting 16.3 percent of the US population, this allergy has long been thought to be treatable only by shots. However, after suffering for years from both allergies and the shots which provide their treatments, patients young and old are now discovering a method of relief unlike any other.

Physicians are now offering a method for providing relief from allergies without the inconveniences of shots and the hassle of making a trip to their physician’s office. An unknown treatment to many, allergy drops, also known as Sublingual Immunotherapy, are being used to treat allergies using standard serums common to allergy shots. Physicians are now able to provide their patients with a safe, painless means of allergy control from the convenience of the patient’s own home.

“This treatment really opens up new doors because it allows physicians to treat a patient’s allergies on the patient’s time schedule,� said Richard F. Herrscher, M.D. of AIRCare. “Patient costs may also be reduced because co-pays are not required for each visit, since the drops are given in a home environment.�

Allergy drops work just like allergy shots by giving the patient series of treatments to build up the body’s immune system over time. Allergy drops provide a safe alternative for a wide range of allergy suffers, as well as asthmatics.

“Sublingual drops are not new nor are they unusual,� said Herrscher who points to evidence of the drops use for many years throughout Europe. “Sublingual Immunotherapy is a long-awaited breath of fresh air in a world full of pollen and mold.

In Britain, allergy shots are virtually out of use, with Sublingual Immunotherapy replacing them as the prime treatment for allergies. Likewise, throughout Europe, studies show that a 42 percent reduction of allergy symptoms has been seen with a 43 percent reduction in use of medication while using this treatment.

Contact:
Britney Chambers
972-770-5085

Although other allergens such as molds and weeds can increase during this time of year, ragweed pollen is particularly problematic because of its highly allergenic properties. “Of those who suffer from allergy in the United States, nearly 75% are allergic to ragweed,” says Dr. Joseph R. Perez an allergist at Allergy & Asthma Care of Houston http://www.aachou.com . “There are certain air-borne allergens that cause significant nasal, eye and lung inflammation which include cat dander, grass pollen, and ragweed. They can be responsible for revving up your immune response and making you feel sick.” The word hayfever describes the physical ailment that some of these people experience. There is hope, however, to help you manage the season with these 5 tips:

1. Avoid the Trigger: Simple maneuvers such as closing the windows and doors to the house and rolling up the car windows while driving reduces pollen exposure. Ragweed pollen is highest in the late morning and on dry, windy days so keep this in mind when planning outdoor activities.

2. Premedicate for the Season: Starting your physician-recommended medication 2 weeks before the start of the allergy season can reduce your symptoms.

3. Filters can Help: Changing air conditioner filters in the home and car are a good idea to keep allergens in the air at a lower level. Some people receive further benefit from a HEPA filtering device in the home.

4. Keep Outdoor Pollens Outdoors: Avoid line drying your clothes outside or tracking pollen in with your shoes. Pets are magnets for pollen because of their fur, so sometimes a quick wash will remove a potentially hidden source of allergen.

5. Visit your Local Allergist: Allergists are fellowship-trained physicians who have the ability to confirm that you are indeed allergic to ragweed, and can offer a variety of treatment options including possible allergy shots (immunotherapy) for those more resistant or intolerant to medication.

So the next time you pass by a ragweed plant and sneeze uncontrollably, following these simple tips can better prepare you for the season ahead. To learn more about nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and asthma visit http://www.aachou.com

“My son suffers from severe, multiple food allergies,” Webster said. “After being unable to find a cookbook that considers all food allergies, I created recipes of my own. Although the recipes found in “Allergy Free for All Ages” were created with the special needs of my son in mind, they are tasty enough for the whole family to enjoy,” she added.

All recipes in the cookbook are dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, and include everything from entrees to desserts. Recipes include Deep Dish Chicken Pot Pie, Flank Steak Fajita Feast and Banana Split Quesadillas.

“These recipes are fantasic,” said allergist Dr.Vincent J. Vaghi. “They range from gourmet to child-friendly. Finally there’s a resource that will help thousands of children and their families who suffer from food allergies.”

“Allergy Free for All Ages” is currently in the production stage at Pubish America. After its release, orders can be placed at publishamerica.com, amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.