Ah, springtime! The season of renewal, pots of gold, bunnies hiding eggs, and ...allergies. Though Florida experiences a bloom of allergens in nearly every every month, the tree pollens are especially at their peak now, followed by the grasses and weeds throughout summer and into autumn (followed by more tree pollens).
Diagnosing and managing allergies has changed quite a bit in the past 1-2 decades. While skin-prick tests continue to be a useful tool, the advent of serum IgE allergy testing has opened testing to nearly anyone who stands to benefit from a simple diagnostic blood test. At West Orlando Pediatrics, we offer this panel (which can also include food allergens) at ages 1+. This is years before skin-prick testing through an allergist is recommended, and can empower a parent of even young children to mitigate specific environmental allergens (think mold, dust mites, pet danders).
Mid-level management at our office generally includes some combination of antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin), steroids (Flonase, Nasacort), and montelukast (prescription Singulair).
Highly allergic individuals and those wishing to minimize exposure to medications can stand to benefit from a referral to an allergist. Skin-prick testing there can expand the panel of tested allergens, and can then be utilized to create a custom allergy shot or sublingual allergy drop. Allergy shots are administered every several weeks at your allergist's office, whereas drops are brought home and given every day after your child brushes their teeth in the morning. Both are a custom blend of low-level allergens designed to desensitize your child to the offending agent(s). Both are effective when used as directed in reducing your child's sensitivity to specific allergen triggers, and they decrease the need for polypharmacy (using several different medications to combat the same problem).
If you suspect your child has allergies, give us a call. About 90% of Dr O'Brien's allergic patients are diagnosed and treated in-office or via telemedicine without the need for a referral. This is a common problem that is perennially at the forefront of our attention; we estimate that 30% of our patients suffer from some degree of environmental allergies!
