Tag: Allergies

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.

Autumn Leaves Can Lead To Mold Allergies

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Leaves left on the ground during the fall season decompose and allow mold spores to grow. These spores then become airborne and can trigger sinus problems, asthma symptoms and swelling around the eyes. Climate change and super storms are causing mold counts to climb higher and linger for longer. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, rising counts of the mold Alternaria have been directly linked to asthma exacerbations. Another type of mold called Aspergillis is also a common cause of allergic sinusitis and asthma symptoms. Allergy skin testing can determine if mold is a trigger for symptoms that patients may be experiencing. If the testing comes back positive, allergy immunotherapy utilizing sublingual drops may effectively eradicate negative symptoms.

Dr. Anne Herman offers allergy testing and sublingual immunotherapy to her patients. Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Can Sublingual Allergy Therapy Help Me?

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Allergies occur when your body perceives irritants such as dust, molds, or pollens as threats and an immune response is launched.  Reactions can include sneezing, runny nose, skin rashes, and wheezing.  Prescription and over-the-counter medications can alleviate symptoms, but do not relieve the causes of the allergies.  Immunotherapy, which includes sublingual (under the tongue) allergy therapy, desensitizes your body to these irritants or antigens.   Very small doses are introduced to your body via serum.  As treatment progresses the concentration of antigens in the serum increases.  Thus  your immune system learns to ignore the antigen.

Sublingual therapy has been popular throughout the world for over 50 years, and is now becoming popular in the United States.  The serum that you place under your tongue is the same serum that is used in allergy shots.  Within a few months, you should realize a significant reduction in the need for allergy medications.  By the end of four years of sublingual therapy use, your environmental allergies should be in remission!

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers sublingual allergy therapy to her patients.  Locations are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Allergy Drops in Tampa and St Pete

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August 1, 2012, the Wall Street Journal published an article on sublingual immunotherapy. We have been offering allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, for years. The journal article did a good job describing what science knows about the drops:

1. The drops are made of the same liquid used in the shots. While the liquid is FDA approved, taking it by mouth is an off label but very effective means of taking the liquid.

 

2. Drops are as effective as the shots

3. Drops are much more convenient as they can be done at home. Patients who get allergy shots, must go to the doctor once or twice per week for injections.

4. Drops are safer than shots because there is less risk of severe allergic reaction.

5. Millions of doses of drops have been given worldwide, with no deaths.

6. Cost is similar with allergy drops as shots because while the drops are not covered by insurance, they still are less than the cost of all the doctor visits required for shots.

So, if you suffer from allergies and do not want weekly shots, this is the best way to go. For more information, see our blog allergy testing: http://www.doctorhermann.com/blog/bid/129091/How-to-Treat-Food-Allergies-in-the-Tampa-St-Pete-Area

Dr. Anne Hermann, M.D. is double board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. To schedule your appointment, please call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.