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320 Robinson Ave Newburgh, NY 12550

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(845)561-BACK
(2225)
Dr. Richard A. Huntoon

Newburgh Chiropractor

To request an Action Plan to address Allergies Click Here

Allergies To attend a FREE Class on this topic, click here.

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful.

See also:

Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic reactions
Allergy testing
Allergy to mold, dander, dust
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Contact dermatitis
Drug allergies
Food allergies
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Allergies are pretty common. Both genes and environmental factors play a role.

The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It also reacts to foreign substances called allergens, which are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.

But in a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals such as histamines, which fight off the allergen. This causes allergy symptoms.

Why do I get allergies?

Common allergens include:

Drugs
Dust
Food
Insect bites
Mold
Pet dander
Pollen

Some people have allergy-like reactions to hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, or other environmental triggers. Sometimes, friction (rubbing or roughly stroking the skin) will cause symptoms.

A specific allergy is not usually passed down through families (inherited). However, if both your parents have allergies, you are likely to have allergies. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.

Allergies may make certain medical conditions such as sinus problems, eczema, and asthma worse.

Symptoms

Allergy symptoms may include:

Breathing problems (coughing, shortness of breath)
Burning, tearing, or itchy eyes
Conjunctivitis (red, swollen eyes)
Coughing
Diarrhea
Headache
Hives
Itching of the nose, mouth, throat, skin, or any other area
Runny nose
Skin rashes
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Wheezing

The part of the body the allergen touches affects what symptoms you develop. For example:

Allergens that you breathe in often cause a stuffy nose, itchy nose and throat, mucus production, cough, or wheezing
Allergens that touch the eyes may cause itchy, watery, red, swollen eyes
Eating something you are allergic to can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or a severe, life-threatening reaction
Allergens that touch the skin can cause a skin rash, hives, itching, blisters, or skin peeling
Drug allergies usually involve the whole body and can lead to a variety of symptoms

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions, such as when the allergy occurs.

Allergy testing may be needed to find out whether the symptoms are an actual allergy or are caused by other problems. For example, eating contaminated food (food poisoning) may cause symptoms similar to food allergies. Some medications (such as aspirin and ampicillin) can produce non-allergic reactions, including rashes. A runny nose or cough may actually be due to an infection.

Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. One type of skin testing is the prick test. It involves placing a small amount of the suspected allergy-causing substances on the skin, and then slightly pricking the area so the substance moves under the skin. The skin is closely watched for signs of a reaction, which include swelling and redness. Skin testing may be an option for some young children and infants. Skin testing is not always accurate.

Other types of skin tests include patch testing and intradermal testing. Again, these types of testing may not always be accurate

Blood tests can measure the levels of allergy-related substances, especially one called immunoglobulin E (IgE).

A complete blood count (CBC) and looking at the fraction called the eosinophil within the white blood cell count may also help diagnose allergies.

Alternative testing

Using Manual Muscle Testing is a very common and accepted practice within the healthcare industry. In association with using the actual substance suspected or a testing vial that the person holds, the doctor then tests a strong muscle (usually a shoulder muscle) to see if the substance/testing vial creates a muscle weakness. This form of testing is a far easier way to determine if the body has an issue with a substance and can be considered an allergy. Most practitioners who do muscle testing will also have a form of treatment to correct the allergy response (NAET or TBM) and allow for the person to overcome the allergy.

In some cases, your medical doctor may tell you to avoid certain items to see if you get better, or to use suspected items to see if you feel worse. This is called "use or elimination testing." This is often used to check for food or medication allergies. This is extremely time consuming and may be problematic when you or your child craves the thing you are asked to avoid.

The doctor may also check your reaction to physical triggers by applying heat, cold, or other stimulation to your body and watching for an allergic response.

Treatment

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) need to be treated with a medicine called epinephrine, which can be life saving when given right away. If you use epinephrine, call 911 and go straight to the hospital.

The best way to reduce symptoms is to avoid what causes your allergies. This is especially important for food and drug allergies.

There are several types of medications to prevent and treat allergies. Which medicine your doctor recommends depends on the type and severity of your symptoms, your age, and overall health.

Illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema) may need other treatments.

Alternative Treatments

Having this condition is not fun at all. Being motivated to look for non-conventional forms of treatment is warranted. Working with a Holistic Chiropractor can offer benefits, as using a well-rounded, multifaceted approach to address all the causes and imbalances within the person. This has demonstrated positive results when sticking to a specific treatment plan. Discussing what is involved and the time commitment necessary to having a full recovery is warranted.

Others have benefitted by using Acupuncture, Homeopathy or Naturopathy when following the treatment guidelines set up by your practitioner and you. Discussing what is involved and the time commitment necessary to having a full recovery is warranted.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatments are used by most people when suffering from allergies. As with all medication, certain side-effects are known and others are not known. It is important to consider the side-effects and to do some research into the medication being prescribed to determine if the side-effects are worse than the symptoms associated with your allergies.

It is important to understand that using medication to treat your allergies will only address the symptoms and will not correct the cause. Therefore you will need to use the medication anytime you have the allery symptoms.

Medications that can be used to treat allergies include:

ANTIHISTAMINES

Antihistamines are available over-the-counter and by prescription. They are available in many forms, including:

Capsules and pills
Eye drops
Injection
Liquid
Nasal spray

CORTICOSTEROIDS

Anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids) are available in many forms, including:

Creams and ointment for the skin
Eye drops
Nasal spray
Lung inhaler

Patients with severe allergic symptoms may be prescribed corticosteroid pills or injections for short periods of time.

DECONGESTANTS

Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose. Do not use decongestant nasal spray for more than several days, because they can cause a "rebound" effect and make the congestion worse. Decongestants in pill form do not cause this problem. People with high blood pressure, heart problems, or prostate enlargement should use decongestants with caution.

OTHER MEDICINES

Leukotriene inhibitors are medicines that block the substances that trigger allergies. Zafirlukast (Accolate) and montelukast (Singulair) are approved for people with asthma and indoor and outdoor allergies.

ALLERGY SHOTS

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are sometimes recommended if you cannot avoid the allergen and your symptoms are hard to control. Allergy shots keep your body from over-reacting to the allergen. You will get regular injections of the allergen. Each dose is slightly larger than the last dose until a maximum dose is reached. These shots do not work for everybody and you will have to visit the doctor often and for several years on a weekly basis.

Support Groups

See: Asthma and allergy support group

Expectations (prognosis)

Working with a Holistic Chiropractor will offer benefits, as using a well-rounded, multifaceted approach to address all the causes and imbalances within the person leading to the allergic response. This has demonstrated positive results when sticking to a specific treatment plan. Discussing what is involved and the time commitment necessary to having a full recovery is warranted.

Most allergies symptoms can be easily treated with medication. The potential for side-effects and other long-term problems may result from this form of treatment. Consulting with your medical doctor or pharmacist to have your questions answered related to side-effects is warranted. Doing the research and understanding the answers to your questions should be considered before making the choice to use medicine for allergies. Just because it is easy to access doesn't mean it is the best way to go when helping yourself or your child.

Some children may outgrow an allergy, especially food allergies. However, once a substance has triggered an allergic reaction, it usually continues to affect the person.

Allergy shots are most effective when used to treat people with hay fever symptoms and severe insect sting allergies. They are not used to treat food allergies because of the danger of a severe reaction.

Allergy shots require years of treatment, but they have shown benefits. However, they may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and dangerous outcomes (such as anaphylaxis). Consulting with your medical doctor or pharmacist to have your questions answered related to side-effects is warranted.

Complications

Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
Breathing problems and discomfort during the allergic reaction
Drowsiness and other side effects of medicines

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

Severe symptoms of allergy occur
Treatment for allergies no longer works

Prevention

Breastfeeding children for at least 4 months or more may help prevent a cow's milk allergy and wheezing in early childhood.

However, changing a mother's diet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding does not seem to help prevent allergies.

For most children, changing the diet or using special formulas does not seem to prevent allergies. If a parent, brother, sister, or other family member has a history of eczema and allergies, discuss feeding with your child's doctor. When you introduce solid foods and what foods you give your baby can help prevent some allergies.

There is also evidence that infants who are exposed to certain allergens in the air (such as dust mites and cat dander) may be less likely to develop allergies. This is called the "hygiene hypothesis." It came from the observation that infants on farms tend to have fewer allergies than those who grow up in more sterile environments. However, older children do not seem to benefit.

Once allergies have developed, treating the allergies and carefully avoiding allergy triggers can prevent reactions in the future.

References

Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Aug:122(2).
Kurowski K, Boxer RW. Food allergies: detection and management. American Family Physician. 2008 June:77(12).
Bielory L, Friedlaender MH. Allergic conjunctivitis. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2008 Feb;28(1):43-58, vi.
Sicherer S, Sampson HA. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2010 Feb 125 (2 suppl2) S116-25.

To request an Action Plan to address Allergies Click Here

Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:

To support as many people as possible in their quest for health and enable them to improve and maintain their health to the highest level possible, while educating them about the benefits of Chiropractic, Natural Healthcare and Holistic Living, so they in turn can teach others to support us having a healthy community.

Your Choice

Health concerns are a major source of lost happiness and lost joy in all of our lives. Finding a solution that is agreeable and enables you to get back to your life is important. Please appreciate that you always have the more invasive surgery and prescription medication available to you as a last resort. What many Traditional Medical Doctors may not share is, many times, once you begin that journey into medication and/or surgery, it alters your original body from the one that you were born with. Unfortunately, at that time, more conservative and natural treatments may no longer be viable. I encourage you to consider that before making any decisions about treatment for your health. As always I am here to help.

Your Choice:

Continue doing the same thing and nothing changes or it may get worse

Try something different and get a different result that makes you happier and healthier.

The Choice is Yours

Please call Dr. Huntoon at 845-561-BACK (2225) to discuss your options or click on our E-Visit to do it via e-mail.

Thank You for your consideration.

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Advanced Alternative Medicine Center

Allergies To attend a FREE Class on this topic, click here.

Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:

Advanced Alternative
Medicine Center