As doctors and member of the Long Island Allergy and Asthma Society, our patients ask us
dozens of questions every day. Listed below are some of the more frequently asked questions.
Hopefully the answers will be as useful to you as they are to our patients.
- Is there a permanent injection for allergies?
Answer: Not yet.
- Is there going to be alternate medical care for treatment of allergies?
Answer: No other methods of care have been proven by scientific study.
- If I have asthma, is it safe to take antihistamines?
Answer: Yes. It was once thought that antihistamines dried mucous and thus caused increased mucous plugging in the airways. We now know that isn't true and if anything, antihistamines may improve asthma by reducing bronchial effects.
- If I have chronic hives, then is it true that I must be allergic to something?
Answer: In the majority of chronic hives cases a cause is not easily found.
- Will my child inherit my allergies to ragweed?
Answer: The tendency to inherit allergies is known, but inheritance does not necessarily mean that the child will have the same exact allergies as the parent.
- What are the pollen seasons in the New York Area?
Answer: Tree Pollen comes in the early spring, starting in March while grass pollen comes in mid May. They both continue into June and end usually by July. Ragweed pollen, on the other hand, starts in mid August and continues to late September.
- Will my child grow out of his/her allergy?
Answer: The chance of growing out of an allergy is greatly improved if the child's allergy is treated early.
- Is it good enough to only use an inhaler at the time of an attack instead of constant therapy?
Answer: Only in cases of very mild asthma should one use an inhaler less than twice a week. Otherwise preventative therapy is most advisable.
- Can you develop allergies at any age?
Answer: Yes.
- Can allergies be treated without injections?
Answer: Allergies can be treated by avoiding the causative agent(food,pet,pollen) and by the prescription of medications. However, avoidance is not always possible.
- Are there new treatments for nasal allergies and asthma?
Answer: Yes. There are several new nasal sprays, and oral medications for rhinitis ,as well as new inhalers and injections for asthma.
- How are food allergies recognized and treated?
Answer: By a careful study of the patient's history, skin and blood testing, and by assessing the patient's diet.
- Could my child's cough be asthma?
Answer: It is possible, an office visit to a pediatrician and an allergist is recommended.
- Will antihistamines "knock me out?"
Answer: With the newer medications, this is generally not a problem.
- Could one be allergic to herbal remedies?
Answer: People who are ragweed sensitive could have problems with Camomile tea. Since not all herbs are safe, you are best off consulting your doctor.
- Will a dog that does not shed exasperate my allergies
Answer: It is the dog's dander (dandruff) and saliva that causes allergies, not his fur.
- I am allergic to peanuts but I love peanut butter. Can I have just a little once in a while?
Answer: No! As little as one-half of a peanut has been known to cause a fatal reaction in severely allergic individuals.
- I had a severe allergic reaction to a yellow jacket sting last year at a picnic. Now I\'m afraid to go on picnics. Any suggestions?
Answer: There are several things you can do to avoid insect stings and still enjoy warm weather activities. Do not wear fragrances , bright-colored clothing or go barefoot outside during the summer. Try to avoid outdoor trash cans, which may attract insects, especially if they are uncovered. Also make a special effort to keep away from insects in the early fall, which is when they become more aggressive and are more likely to sting. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet and make sure you have a dose of epinephrine handy. Consult with an allergist to determine if you are a candidate for injections to desensitize you to the insects.