Sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes or wheezing often
become such a part of life that allergy sufferers do not realize
their life could be greatly improved. You should see an allergist
if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or
difficulty breathing
- Allergy symptoms occur several times a year
- Your current allergy medications are unsatisfactory
- Asthma or allergies interfere with your ability
to function in your daily life
- You are experiencing ASTHMA WARNING SIGNS such
as
- Wheezing or coughing after exercise or at night.
- Frequent shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- or have been diagnosed with asthma but continue
to experience acute asthma attacks
Dr. Kevin Keller provides
allergy care and asthma care to adults & children at Fayetteville
Diagnostic Clinic. Dr. Keller is board certified in Allergy and
Immunology and board certified in Pediatric Medicine.
Causes
Human bodies amazingly defend against many harmful
invaders. Allergies are when our immune systems mistakenly identify
a harmless substance like dust or pollen as a harmful substance.
Our immune system defends our body with a variety of natural
chemicals that cause what we call "allergic symptoms" –sneezing,
congestion, or shortness of breath. In extreme cases, life-threatening
experiences result from an allergic reaction.
There are a variety substances that cause allergies – plant
pollens, household dust (dust mites), animal dander, industrial
chemicals, foods, medicines, feathers, and insect stings are a
few common triggers called "allergens." Children are
especially susceptible to these triggers or allergens.
Many asthma problems are triggered by allergies.
An allergist can help patients identify the triggers and causes
of asthma as well as allergies. Being aware of the triggers of
asthma and allergies, allows patients to more effectively control
their asthma.
Kevin R. Keller,
M.D., is trained to identify the factors that cause asthma
and allergies and
to effectively
treat or eliminate
symptoms in children and adults. Controlling asthma and allergies
requires planning, skills,
and patience. An allergist can develop a treatment plan for
your
individual
condition. Dr. Keller’s goal is for the patient to have the most
normal, symptom-free life possible. Here are some common tools
Dr, Keller uses
to diagnose and manage allergies:
Treatments
Allergy testing Finding out what causes your
allergies or asthma is a big part in treating them. An allergist
can perform tests
to find out which substances cause a patient's allergies.
Asthma Testing Dr. Keller works with FDC's Asthma
Clinic to provide patients with an accurate diagnosis. Pulmonary
Function Tests (PFT's) are diagnostic breathing tests which provide
the physician with valuable information about the condition of
the lungs. More on FDC's Asthma Clinic
Program.
Prevention The most effective treatment to
allergies and asthma is to know what triggers a person’s allergies
and have the patient avoid those triggers whenever possible.
Even when it is not convenient
to avoid allergens, we can help you design strategies for reducing
exposure and preventing symptoms.
Prescription Medication There are many new
and effective medications to treat allergies and asthma. An allergist
can aid in matching the best
medication for your case.
Immunotherapy Similar to a vaccine, a patient
receives a set of shots with gradually increasing doses of the
substance in which
the patient is allergic over a period of time. The idea is for
the patient to become less allergic to that substance. This treatment
works for many patients.
Common Conditions
Hay Fever Allergic Rhinitis This
is a general term for people who allergic to substances in
the air, such
as pollen or mold, that are inhaled through the patient’s mouth or nose.
Sneezing, congestion, runny nose, excess mucus, weepy eyes and a scratchy
or burning
throat pallet are common results. These symptoms may be seasonal or year-round
and may
be caused by pollen, dust, pets or even a food allergy.
Skin Allergies Contact Dermatitis Skin
welts, hive or rashes are results of your skin coming in contact
with a substance you are allergic to. It may
be many hours before or days to make an appearance. Common causes
are poison ivy, aspirin, penicillin, pets and foods. Asthma Asthma
is caused when muscle spasms constrict the airflow to the lungs.
The lining of a person’s
airways become inflamed and excess mucus may clog the airways.
An asthma attack is when
a person experiences labored breathing, a tight feeling in
his or her chest, or coughing or wheezing. It can develop quickly
and
varies in severity – from minor coughing to total loss of breathing.
Many cases of asthma go undiagnosed.
Anaphylaxis A rare, potentially fatal allergic
reaction that affects many parts of the body at once. The cause
could be an insect
sting, a food or a medication. Symptoms may include a dangerous
drop in blood pressure, flushing, difficulty breathing, swelling
of the throat, tongue and nose, and loss of consciousness. Symptoms
are usually immediate and progress rapidly. Emergency medical attention
should be sought at the first symptom.
More Allergy and Asthma Links:
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology An
excellent source for anything you want to know about allergies.
This site is maintained by top allergists in the
field.
www.allergy.mcg.edu
Take a quiz to find out if you are using your inhaler
correctly.
www.cs.unc.edu/~kupstas/FAQ1.html
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