Allergy shots deliver an injection comprised of the natural substances to which an individual is allergic. Allergy shots are not to be confused with steroid injections, wherein an individual receives an injection of steroids that is released into the body to control an allergic response.

Allergy shots are an excellent option for those who suffer from environmental allergies, have difficulty taking standard allergy medications, do not like taking medications regularly, or who cannot easily avoid allergic triggers. They are also beneficial in patients who suffer from allergic asthma, and effective in those with allergies to stinging insects. Allergy shots for stinging insects can normalize the chance of a severe reaction, reducing the likelihood from a 30-60% chance if a person has had a severe reaction down to that of the general population (approximately 2% chance).

Once an allergist determines the environmental allergens to which you are sensitive, extracts of those substances are administered via injection. The shot contains a small dose of allergen (which will slowly increase over time) intended to re-program your immune system. In time your body can develop a protective response, called tolerance, and when exposed to these triggers your allergy and/or asthma symptoms will be tempered.

Allergen immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) is the only known means to provide sustained reduction in one’s allergic sensitizations. That is, after stopping many patients continue to enjoy the benefits they experienced while taking injections. This is termed disease modification. Most commonly, allergy shots are administered to increase a patient’s tolerance to the environmental allergens that provoke allergy symptoms. Allergy shots are administered regularly with increasing doses. Initially you may need to receive shots one to three times a week, and over time, as the dose increases, the frequency of visits will decrease to as little as once in every five weeks. Many patients can stop allergy shots in three to five years and experience a long or permanent remission.

Allergy shots treat a wide range of common allergies, including dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander. They are also an option for those with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect stings from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and fire ants; unfortunately they are not indicated as treatment for food allergies.

Allergy shots should also be considered by those whose symptoms are not controlled by medications alone or that require excessive medications to control their symptoms,as well as in those who experience side effects of medications. Some prefer allergy immunotherapy to daily use of medications. Individuals, who suffer from comorbidities of allergies (multiple allergies/illnesses) such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, or frequent ear infections, can also benefit from the effects of allergen immunotherapy.

Allergy shots can permanently modify allergies, and can drastically improve the severity and frequency of annoying and even life-threatening allergy symptoms. Ask your allergist if allergy shots may work for you!

The Allergy and Asthma Medical Group of the Bay Area has office locations in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Brentwood, Pleasanton and Berkeley. Our Board Certified Allergists treat both adults and children. We offer extended office hours to accommodate patients with busy schedules.

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. It is an inflammatory disorder of the lungs and most forms of asthma have an important, underlying allergic component. Those with asthma often have “triggers” that lead to attacks or asthma symptoms; triggers may include mold, pollen, dust particles, pet dander, respiratory illness, air pollution (including smoke), and exercise.

Allergists are asthma specialists and have undergone rigorous training in its management. Principle to asthma management is identifying triggers, clarifying the diagnosis, addressing co-existing conditions interfering with asthma control and building the proper treatment plan. An allergist can test for allergic triggers and educate patients in managing allergic (and non-allergic) triggers, as well as provide regular care and follow-up for those suffering from asthma.

Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be a very useful treatment component for asthmatics, and allergists are specifically trained in the proper prescription and administration of allergy shots. There is also evidence that allergy shots can prevent the development of asthma in children.

Additional studies have shown that asthmatic patients who receive care by an allergist have reduced emergency room visits, reduced rates of hospitalization, decreased asthma symptoms and overall improvement in their asthma-related quality of life.

An allergist is a great resource for anyone who experiences asthma symptoms. Government guidelines from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)recommend seeing an asthma specialist, such as an allergist, if you:

• Have asthma symptoms every day and often at night that cause you to limit your activity
• Have had a life-threatening asthma attack
• Do not meet the goals of your asthma treatment after three to six months
• Are not responding to current treatment
• Have symptoms that are unusual or hard to diagnose
• Have conditions such as severe hay fever or sinusitis that complicate your asthma or your diagnosis
• Need more tests to find out more about your asthma and what causes your symptoms
• Need more help and instruction on your treatment plan, medicines or asthma triggers
• Might benefit from allergy shots
• Need treatment with oral or injectable steroids
• Have stayed in a hospital because of your asthma
• Need help identifying your asthma triggers
• Have a child with frequent or troubling asthma symptoms

At The Allergy and Asthma Medical Group our experienced allergists can help monitor your asthma symptoms, and keep the disease under control. We are able to perform pulmonary function testing in our office, and also are equipped to treat acute asthma attacks. While asthma cannot be cured, with the proper care and guidance it can be completely manageable.

The Allergy and Asthma Medical Group of the Bay Area has office locations in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Brentwood, Pleasanton and Berkeley. Our Board Certified Allergists treat both adults and children. We offer extended office hours to accommodate patients with busy schedules.

Eating and enjoying food is one of life’s simplest pleasures. It also provides us with the sustenance and nutrition we need to grow and thrive. Unfortunately, food allergies are becoming an increasingly common problem; they produce varying types of reactions, some of which are life threatening. There is also a great deal of misinformation about food allergies amongst the public at large.

A food allergy is an inappropriate immune system response to specific proteins in a food. Reactions present in various forms and can range from mild to very severe. The reaction is due to allergic antibodies causing the release of histamine and other inflammatory molecules. While the reactions can vary, they tend to have a specific pattern of symptoms. Unfortunately, reactions can be explosive and severe and life threatening. A food allergy is not to be confused with food intolerances. These conditions can be troubling but in general are not life-threatening. Celiac disease gets confused with food allergies as well.

The most common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans and almonds), fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy products, and wheat. Symptoms of food allergies may include rash or hives, eczema, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, itchy skin, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the larynx (upper airway), or anaphylaxis,
which can be life-threatening.

An allergist can identify the food to which an individual reacts. It is very important to characterize the type of food reactions, and identify the foods of concern. From these findings, an allergist can prepare a management plan and strategies for the allergy sufferer. The allergist can also navigate the food allergic individual away from potentially cross-reactive foods and discuss food safety. Identification of food allergens, teaching, setting up networks of support, discussing repercussions of diagnosis, and the use of emergency epinephrine are all foundations of food allergy evaluation. One common misconception about food allergies is that developing hives after food ingestion is not serious. In fact, a person who has had hives after food ingestion is at notable risk for a more severe food reaction.

Some food-allergic individuals lose their food sensitivity over time. An allergist is able to track, identify and confirm the loss of sensitivity in these individuals. Often, allergists identify individuals who have been needlessly avoiding foods and are then able to expand their diets. In addition, food allergies are often inherited. When there is a strong family history of food allergies, it can be helpful to have an allergist provide guidance to the expecting parent. Food allergies, even the most severe, are manageable, especially with the support of an experienced allergist.

The Allergy and Asthma Medical Group of the Bay Area has office locations in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Brentwood, Pleasanton and Berkeley. Our Board Certified Allergists treat both adults and children. We offer extended office hours to accommodate patients with busy schedules.

A dog allergy can be a heart-breaking condition for the pup-loving individual. It is understandable that in a country where nearly 40% of households include a dog the idea of a hypoallergenic dog has become so popular. Unfortunately, while certain dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. In fact, one dog and another of the same breed can produce very different levels of allergen.

There is a wide misconception that pet allergies are caused by a dog or cat’s fur, but in fact it is the pet’s dander – secretions from glands in the skin – that causes the allergy symptoms. Proteins found in a dog’s saliva, urine and skin become dander with shed skin cells, these flakes are the real source of the allergen. So no matter if the dog has hair or fur, short or long, any dog can potentially cause an allergic reaction.

Some dog breeds, such as poodles, Portuguese water dogs, or mixed breeds such as the goldendoodle, are marketed as hypoallergenic dogs because they do not shed fur or they shed very little. Because these dogs do not shed, the allergy-causing dander that sticks to their fur is not as easily released into the air or onto the floor as much as it would with a shedding dog. Sufferers may experience fewer allergy symptoms with a non-shedding dog, but no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.

The Allergy and Asthma Medical Group of the Bay Area has office locations in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Brentwood, Pleasanton and Berkeley. Our Board Certified Allergists treat both adults and children. We offer extended office hours to accommodate patients with busy schedules.