Tag: allergy immunotherapy

Is There A Connection Between Hay Fever And Food Allergies?

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oral allergyOral allergy syndrome is caused by protein substances that are found in pollen and on some raw fruits and vegetables. The body’s immune system recognizes and reacts to these substances causing an allergy syndrome.   Even if the proteins are not identical, they can be similar enough to fool the immune system.  Up to a third of individuals with hay fever (seasonal allergies) will develop oral allergy syndrome.  Common cross-reactions include:  1.  birch pollen and apples, carrots, celery, almonds, kiwis, cherries, pears, peaches, hazelnuts and plums.  2.  ragweed pollen and cucumbers, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini and bananas.  3.  grass pollen and melons, oranges, tomatoes, peaches and celery.

The main signs of oral allergy syndrome (a localized allergic reaction to food) include swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips and an itchy feeling in your throat or ears. Peeling of the offending fruit or vegetable may help, as the offending protein is often located in the food’s skin. Consuming the produce after it has been canned, baked or microwaved is also beneficial as cooking the foods helps to deactivate the offending protein substance.  However, the best treatment is simply avoiding the offending food.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers seasonal allergy and food sensitivity testing to her patients.   There are multiple treatment options including acupuncture, dietary modifications and sublingual immunotherapy.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.

Holistic Seasonal Allergy Help

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Allergy season is a trying time of year for many individuals.  There are a number of holistic remedies which may be beneficial for symptom alleviation.  Normal saline spray is an excellent nasal sinus rinse.  Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine.  Quercetin is a natural antioxidant.  Foods such as cherries, broccoli, blackberries and parsley are high in these nutrients.  Butterbur works as a leukotriene inhibitor which helps prevent swelling of the nasal passages.  Acupuncture has also been shown in many studies to have beneficial effects on allergy symptoms.  Always check with your physician prior to beginning  any new medication, supplement or vitamin.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers skin allergy testing and sublingual drop immunotherapy treatments to her patients. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

Relief for Seasonal Allergies

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Allergies are a group of diseases such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.  They are characterized by an immune system overreaction to foreign bodies that are normally harmless; such as dust, pollen and animal dander.  The body produces a histamine response to these substances – resulting in symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

Allergy season is getting longer – tree pollen runs from January to June, grass from May to June and weeds from August to November.  Many individuals also react to indoor irritants such as pet dander, mold and dust mites.  While over-the-counter allergy medications can help, some individuals will need allergy skin testing to receive prescription sublingual allergy drops.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers allergy skin testing to her patients.  After the identification of specific allergens, allergy immunotherapy (sublingual drops) can be specifically formulated.  Often, several years of therapy is necessary for full symptom relief.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.