April 2017: Sniffling, Sneezing & Itching, Oh My!
Big thanks to our April guest speaker Dr. David Redding of Redding Allergy & Asthma Specialists for a enlightening and informative discussion! We learned that allergy season in Atlanta is a lot like traffic in Atlanta: There is very little time that it isn’t in full swing!
Some points of emphasis from Dr. Redding's talk:
Some points of emphasis from Dr. Redding's talk:
- Let's clarify the difference between an allergist and an ENT. An allergist in a medical doctor who specializes in the medical management of nasal inflammation, asthma, and food and environmental allergies. An ENT is a medical doctor who specializes in structural problems that can be corrected surgically. Many times the two specialties work together to come up with a diagnosis and plan of treatment.
- The good news is there are many methods to treat nasal/seasonal allergies! Start with over-the-counter oral medications as well as nasal sprays. If you find no relief, it’s time to see your doctor who may refer you to an allergist to be evaluated.
- In addition to what is growing and blowing outdoors, we also need to be wary of dust mites indoors! Dr. Redding suggested products such as allergen-barrier bed and pillow coverings and referred to two online companies, Achoo Allergy and Mission: Allergy, that sell such products.
- Penicillin allergies from childhood are rarely a problem as an adult. Many adults still have "PEN ALLERGIC" noted in their medical record as a result of reaction as a child. However, most likely this is no longer the case. This could create a problem, as it limits the patient to antibiotics that are not as effective, especially when hospitalized. An allergist can do a very simple in-office, non-invasive test to determine one's current reaction to penicillin, and this test is covered by insurance most of the time.
- Venom allergies (from ants, bees, hornets, wasps, etc.) are a huge problem for many people that often result in ER visits, hospitalizations and sometimes death. Insurance covers desensitization to venom (at different levels -- one would need to check with their carrier). It might just make enjoying the great outdoors less stressful.
