Allergy Center of Connecticut

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Allergy Center of Connecticut

Exceptional allergy care. Personalized treatment plans for environmental and food allergies.

13/02/2024

Does eating local honey desensitize you to pollen and improve allergies?

Honey has multiple medical benefits (it is a great antimicrobial). However, it does not help with allergies. Bees transfer pollen from flower to flower (entomophily). These are not the same pollens that cause allergies in the spring and fall. Allergic rhinitis is caused by smaller pollens, that are able to get into our airways, wind blown from trees, grasses and weeds (anemophily). Very little of these pollens would find their way into honey. Additionally, digestive enzymes in saliva and the stomach would break down the pollens before they can have a beneficial effect on the immune system.

The University of Connecticut Health Center completed a study of local honey for allergies (Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2002). Patients receiving local honey did no better than those receiving a corn syrup placebo with synthetic honey flavoring.

Treatments proven to work: avoidance, medications, allergy shots, allergy tablets/drops.

05/02/2024

How is pollen counted?

The amount of pollen in the air varies from day to day. Weather stations often report the previous days levels as well as a forecast of future days. This pollen level is useful for allergy sufferers when planning outdoor activities and may help to minimize symptoms.

Before pollen can be counted, it must be collected. One popular tool for pollen collection is the rotorod, these rods are coated in a sticky material then spun in the air, catching the pollen. Also, vacuum devices may be used to pull pollen from the air, depositing it onto a glass slide or tape. Once collected, a formula is used to extrapolate from this small amount, the approximate amount of pollen in the air. The reported number represents the average number of pollen grains per cubic meter of air and will be categorized as low, medium or high.

Pollen counts usually rise in the morning, and reach their peak by midday or early afternoon. This is the time of day that allergies are often the worst, since there is a high concentration of pollen in the air. It may be best to stay indoors during these times, keep windows closed and use an air conditioner (if possible).

02/02/2024

What is the best age to start peanut allergy treatment?

Currently, Palforzia is the only peanut allergy treatment approved in the United States. Palforzia is indicated for children between 4 and 17 years of age. However, starting peanut allergy treatments earlier may provide a better long term outcome, as the immune system is more adaptable. There are ongoing studies for Palforzia, as well as other forms of treatment (i.e. peanut drops under the tongue, peanut patches on the skin) for younger children. As far as the “best” time to start treatment, that is highly variable from child to child. It may be better to hold off on treatment and allow some kids time to outgrow the allergy. Or it may be better to start younger for kids having severe reactions, that would benefit from protection.

29/01/2024

When should I start my spring allergy treatment?

Spring in Connecticut marks the transition from a cold, wet winter to a warm and wonderful summer. As the snow melts away and temperatures gradually rise, the landscape transforms with bursts of color as flowers bloom and trees regain their lush green. The air becomes crisp, fresh, and filled with pollen.

Typically the tree pollen season begins mid March with the early bloomers (ie birch trees). However, as global temperatures (and carbon dioxide levels) rise, our spring pollen season is growing. Last year, the pollen season grew in both length and strength.

So when should you start your meds??? Here is a quick timeline and very general guide that may help …

Start of tree pollen season in CT ~ 3/1/24
- Oral antihistamines (ie Zyrtec, Allegra) can be started when symptoms first start
- Nasal steroids (ie Flonase, Nasonex) take longer to work and may be started 1-2 weeks before pollen season
- Allergy drops or tablets (sublingual immunotherapy, SLIT) should be started at least six weeks before pollen season
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) should be started at least six months before

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Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+12033746103

Website

http://www.allergyct.com/

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