that causes spaces inside the nose and head( sinuses) to become inflamed and swollen.
Unfortunately, it ' s very uncommon to grow out of these allergies. In fact, it ' s actually more common for allergies to worsen over time. Thanks to modern medicine, however, allergies and the symptoms of them can be combated.
One of the most convenient means of suppression is the use of over-thecounter medicines, of which there is a vast selection: second-generation antihistamines( Zyrtec, Clarinex, Allegra, Claritin, Xyzal, and Astelin) and nasal sprays( Flonase, Mucinex, and Astepro).
While these medicines are a helpful means of lessening allergy symptoms, Dr. Bozeman stated that they ' re still not the best means of taking care of allergies indefinitely. " We don ' t want you to have to take medication long-term because, although you get started on the medicines, you get to feeling better, and your symptoms go away, if you start getting off the medication, they just come right back."
That ' s where immunotherapy plays a big part. Not only does it help those with allergies rely less on medication, but it can significantly reduce allergy symptoms as a whole. More specifically, immunotherapy involves gradually exposing one to increasing amounts of the allergen they are allergic to. This helps the body to develop a tolerance to the allergen, reducing the severity to allergic reactions over time.
The use of immunotherapy is especially essential in cases of atopic march, which is the progression of allergic diseases, typically starting in early childhood. The severity of these cases can progress into allergic rhinitis, nasal symptoms, and asthma.
Before initiating this process, allergists will conduct an allergy test to determine what specific allergens a person is prone to. This is typically done through skin-prick and intradermal tests where small, diluted samples of allergens are administered to the uppermost levels of the skin.
When the results are gathered, the next step is determining means of immunotherapy itself.
Some methods of immunotherapy include consuming either prescribed sublingual drops, administered under the tongue, or tablets, which are more limited on what allergens they can treat like dust mites and specific pollen. What data has shown to be the best method of immunotherapy is through injections.
This means of immunotherapy has several routes of its own. The most standard is receiving injections 2-3 times a week, but other more direct approaches include either the " cluster " where a patient comes in for about the same amount, but with higher doses, or the " rush " where a patient only comes in for one day to receive multiple injections. No matter the approach, it ' s all about reaching a " maintenance dose " where a patient will continue to receive injections once a week for about 6-12 months, then every other week for 6-12 months, and then only once a month during that last year.
While it ' s evident that battling these allergies is no easy challenge, relief is possible with the right care. Thanks to Family Allergy & Asthma of Somerset, finding a treatment plan that works for each patient has never been easier.
April 2025 SEKY- Southeast Kentucky Life • 23