Patient Education

 

Who is an Allergist

by Topeka Allergy & Asthma Clinic
 
Where do you go if you think you are allergic?  This question can, surprisingly, cause confusion, because there are some non-allergist physicians who offer to do "allergy tests."  Often these tests have been found unacceptable by valid, board-certified allergists, and they may be painful, inaccurate, and expensive (e.g.: "serial dilution-titration" skin tests).  Some insurors will not reimburse for such tests.
 
A Board Certified Allergist is a physician who has received certification as a diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI), a conjoint Board of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics.  In order to receive the certification the doctor must complete the following steps:

1.  Obtain his or her medical degree.

2.  Complete a three-year residency training program in either internal medicine or pediatrics.

3.  Complete two to three more years of specialty training in allergy, asthma and immunology.

4.  Successfully pass the Board Certifying Examaniaion.

Anyone claiming to be an allergist who does not meet this qualification should be avoided.  At TAAC you will be evaluated only by allergists certified by this Board.
 
For more information regarding American Board of Allergy and Immunology click here.

Watch Movie:   Who is an Allergist
 

Allergy Testing

by Topeka Allergy & Asthma Clinic
 
Prick skin test:  we use the Morrow Brown® standardized, sterile, disposable plastic pricker. It has a 1 mm beveled point. It is dipped in a small amount of allergy vaccine or "extract" made from a suspected allergen, then pressed against the skin. It makes a dent deep enough to cause a reaction in a sensitive person, but doesn't cause bleeding, and discomfort is minimal. A considerable number of tests can be done at one time, usually on the back, and can be read in 15-20 minutes. The advantage of this test is that it almost never gives a false positive reaction, so allergy is unlikely to be diagnosed when not present (a big problem with more invasive, "intradermal" tests such as "serial dilution-titration" tests).  By carefully comparing the test results with the detailed history we take from our patients, we can determine what the important allergens are with a high degree of accuracy.
 
Intradermal testing:  Sometimes this type of test is ordered by the doctor after prick testing.  This test involves small injections placed into the skin on your upper arms.
 
If possible, please refrain from taking antihistamine medications for five days prior to your skin testing appointment.
 
Examples of antihistamines are:
    • Allegra (fexofenadine)
    • Atarax, Vistaril (hydroxyzine)
    • Zyrtec (cetirizine)
    • Xyzal (levocetirizine)
    • Clarinex (desloratadine)
    • Claritin (loratadine)
    • Actifed, Dimetapp (brompheniramine)
    • Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
    • Tavist, Antihist (clemastine)
    • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
    • Phenergan (promethazine)

 

Asthma

Inhaled Medication Instructional Videos: Asthma and General Lung Diseases

Asthma In The Young Child

by Topeka Allergy & Asthma Clinic
 

Asthma is the most common serious chronic disease in children.  Approximately 9 million American children have been diagnosed with asthma and most of them develop symptoms before age 5. 

 

Asthma causes swelling of the bronchial tubes which may result in wheezing (whistling chest sounds), shortness of breath, or a persistent cough.  A lot of times this cough may be mistaken for a cold, croup or bronchitis.  This is why diagnosing asthma in a young child may be difficult, even for doctors. 

 

Your child may have asthma if he or she has:

 

·        Colds which always settle in the chest.

 

·        Frequent wheezing.

 

·        A nagging cough, especially at night.

 

·        Cough when running or playing hard.

 

If you think your child might have asthma, talk to your doctor or to an allergist, as untreated asthma may become life-threatening.  Also, delays in asthma treatment may lead to permanent lung damage.

 

It is important to know what your child’s asthma triggers are because avoiding them, many asthma attacks can be prevented.

 

There are two types of asthma medications:

 

·        Rescue or quick release medications (Albuterol, Xopenex, Ventolin) or lung openers which work immediately.  These medications are taken as needed for cough, wheezing, chest tightness or before physical activity.

 

·        Maintenance or controller medications (generally inhaled Corticosteroids) work by controlling the inflammation (swelling) in the bronchial tubes.  They prevent the asthma attacks from occurring.  These medications do not work right away and they need to be taken regularly in order for them to be effective.  Do not expect immediate relief from a controller medication.

 

Allergy injections are used to build-up a tolerance to the things your child is allergic too.  They usually result in a decrease in the need for medications.

 

With the right treatment your child can lead a normal life.

 

 

Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Gastroenteritis

by Topeka Allergy & Asthma Clinic

Eosinophilic esophagitis and gastroenteritis are newly recognized chronic diseases, which are increasingly diagnosed in children and adults.  Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain after eating.  A person may have symptoms that resemble acid reflux from the stomach.  Difficulty swallowing food may also be a problem.  In infants, Eosinophilic esophagitis/gastroenteritis may cause failure to thrive.

Individuals with Eosinophilic esophagitis/gastroenteritis have a large number of eosinophil cells in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.  These cells spill toxic proteins into the tissue causing inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract lining.

The cause is unknown, but in some cases there may be a food allergy or a reaction to a food or food additive.  Your doctor may recommend allergy testing to detect these allergies.

For more information go to Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders. 

Watch Movie:  Food Allergies

Food Allergy Advice:  Introducing Infants to Foods

by Topeka Allergy & Asthma Clinic
 
Introduction:  This advice is particularly aimed at families with a history on one or both sides of close relatives with allergy-related problems such as allergic eczema, asthma, hay fever, anaphylaxis, and known food allergies.
 
1. Most authorities believe that breast feeding for six months helps prevent later allergy development. However, in rare cases small infants have been sensitized to foods ingested by breast feeding mothers.
 
2. Supplemental feedings during the first four months can increase the risk of developing allergies up to the age of 10 years.
 
3. Evidence indicates that cow milk allergy in particular can be prevented by avoiding all exposure for at least six months. While evidence is less good for solid foods, it is believed that the same rule should be followed.
 
4. Food allergy incidence and type seems to be related to the country and culture and possibly ethnic background of the person.
 
5. For American/Western Diet:  cow milk, egg white, peanut, tree nuts, fish, seafood and to a lesser extent, wheat, are the foods that pose the greatest risk. (Other foods may be equally risky when there is a family history or introduction occurs too early).
 
6. For fruits and vegetables, cooked, homogenized forms are preferred to fresh materials. (Not all foods are rendered hypoallergenic by cooking. Consult your allergist for detailed advice).
 
7.  Mixed foods containing various potential allergens should be avoided for small infants unless tolerance to each ingredient has already been proven:
      The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schedule for introduction of potential allergenic foods is as follows:  
--Breastfeeding 6-12 mos.; 
--Solid foods- Hypoallergenic diet 6 mos; 
--Dairy products 12 mos.;  
--Egg 24 mos. ;  
--Peanut, tree nuts 36 mos. ;
-- Fish 36 mos.
 
   Reference: Food allergy and the introduction of solid foods to infants: a consensus document (Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology) Annals of Allergy 97 pp 10-20; July 2006

Other Allergic Conditions

  • IvyBlock - WebLink  

Environmental Control Measures

 
 



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