You're not alone if you suffer from allergies. In Fact millions of Americans have them. Allergies can appear at any age, and can even disappear in childhood only  to reappear in adulthood. One in four people suffer from allergies and the number rises each year.

Allergy is a condition, often inherited, in which the immune system of the affected person reacts to something eaten or in the environment that doesn't affect most other people. People often think of allergy as only "hay fever", with sneezing, runny nose, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery eyes. However, allergies can also cause symptoms such as chronic "sinus" problems, postnasal drip, head congestion, frequent "colds", recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, headaches, chronic cough and asthma. Even stomach and intestinal problems, many skin rashes, chronic headaches and fatigue can be symptoms of allergy.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Kunkes is a specialist who can diagnose and treat allergies affecting the ear, nose and throat. The specialty of Ear, Nose and Throat is also called Otolaryngology, and we sometimes refer to allergy problems in the area of the body as Otolaryngic Allergy.

Dr. Kunkes is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.

ALLERGY TREATMENT

Despite the advances in allergy care during the past several decades, there are still only three basic, accepted approaches to allergy care.

1. Avoidance of the offending allergens (the things in which a person is allergic)

2. Pharmacotherapy (medications)

3. Immunotherapy (allergy shots or desensitization)

Avoidance - The first most basic treatment step, once an allergen has been identified, is to eliminate or avoid contact with it, if possible. Unfortunately avoiding some allergens such as dust, molds and animals is often difficult and thus allergen avoidance alone may not be effective.

Pharmacotherapy - Medications can frequently control allergy symptoms. These may include antihistamines, decongestants, prescription nasal sprays, leukotriene inhibitors and other types of products.

Immunotherapy - When allergen avoidance and medications do not successfully control allergy symptoms, the Otolarnyngic Allergist can alter the body's overactive response by carefully challenging the patients immunes system through regular injections of the actual allergens to which a patient is sensitive. This treatment, very similar to the vaccination for infectious diseases such as the flu, can be given after the allergy testing has revealed what it is that a patient is allergic to. Over time is is possible to actually alter a persons excessive response to these environmental allergens , and both improve symptoms, as well as decrease the need for medications and allergen avoidance for many years.

We also offer Sublingual Immunotherapy - Also referred to as SLIT

The top ten reasons to consider SLIT are:

1. Alternative - Decrease or supplement the multiple allergy medication use for severe sufferers.

2. Safety - no deaths from SLIT world wide. Much safer and less side effects than injections.

3. Convenience - Home based therapy. No waiting in the office. Pick up mix, or mailed every three months.

4. Painless - NO MORE NEEDLES. Three drops under the tongue daily. Virtually no taste.

5. Cost - May be cheaper than shots given requirements for co-pays with shots and costs of coming to office.

6. Compliance - easier to remember to do therapy daily for two minutes at home, rather than coming to office.

7. Effectiveness - Symptoms may decrease in weeks, and studies show effectiveness roughly equals that of shots.

8. Long term benefits - desensitization may impart lasting immunity after therapy ceases.

9. Less complications - less sinus infections, less asthma trouble, less overall allergy symptoms.

10. Better quality of life - less missed work days and times away from family and friends.