Ask the Allergist: Hay fever, Allergy Shots and More - Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida

Think you have hay fever? Allergist Dr. Gershman of South Florida’s “The Allergy Group” Explains.

Sneezing and stuffy nose? Learn about the different types of allergies and whether its hay fever in this short video.

Ask The Allergist is sponsored by Asthma and Allergy Associates, The Allergy Group.

Andy Tillis talked with Dr. Neil Gershman of Asthma and Allergy Associates and president of the Florida Allergy Society.

Doctor, what exactly is hay fever?

“Hay fever is a common term for allergic rhinitis. That’s because people would normally sneeze during the time of year when he was being harvested, but people can sneeze and have stuffy noses during any of the other seasons.”

What are the causes of hay fever?

“The seasonal symptoms of rhinitis are caused by pollen such as trees during the winter and spring grasses during the summer and weeds during the fall? But the more troublesome year round symptoms are caused by dust mites, animal dander mold and believe it or not cockroaches, cockroaches, really!

So, how do you treat hay fever?

Well, first we determine what the patient is allergic to by skin testing. Then we prescribe medications and if needed, recommend allergy shots, which is the only known potential cure for allergic rhinitis.

Thank you doctor! To learn more about hay fever or to schedule an appointment with an allergist visit, Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida.

Allergy Shots? Allergist Dr. Eisenfeld of South Florida’s “The Allergy Group” Explains.

Dr. Michelle Eisenfeld talks about allergy shots on NBC 6 segment, Ask the Allergist!

Ask The Allergist is sponsored by Asthma and Allergy Associates, The Allergy Group.

Andy Tillis talked with Dr. Michelle Eisenfeld of Asthma and Allergy Associates.

Allergies can occur at anytime, how can an allergy immunology specialist help allergy sufferers?

The three ways we treat allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis and sinus problems include medications, allergy avoidance and allergy shots. Avoiding what you are allergic to is difficult so allergy shots or immunotherapy, are a good option.

How do they work?

Allergy shots work like vaccines, teaching the immune system to ignore allergens, it takes a few months to build up to a working dose but after a while most patients feel better and many are able to stop their allergy medications.

What kind of allergies can you treat?

We can treat people with allergies to pet dander, dust mites, mold and pollen. When complete allergen avoidance is impossible, allergy shots are an excellent option.