Improve your quality of life with allergy treatment for adults, the whole family in Crystal Lake and Elgin, IL

Allergies can make you feel terrible for days at a time, and unfortunately, medications can’t always provide enough relief. Adults that suffer from seasonal allergies or allergic asthma may require extra sick days and have difficulty sleeping. Likewise, allergies can interfere with children’s academic performance, enjoyment of sports and other activities, and overall quality of life. The doctors at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates/Food Allergy Center of Illinois offer allergy treatment for patients in Crystal Lake and Elgin, IL, and the Greater Chicagoland area to reduce or eliminate symptoms and find long-lasting relief.  

Benefits of allergy treatment

Allergies are caused by an overreaction in the immune system when you are exposed to specific triggers. Pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander are some of the most familiar triggers, and depending on the severity of your allergies, you may have to deal with headaches, runny eyes, congestion, sneezing, and other symptoms. The team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates identifies the specific triggers and offers guidance on making your home allergy-friendly for more immediate relief. Once we’ve identified your triggers, your doctor forms a treatment plan to reduce your (or your child’s) immune response to them.

Immunotherapy reduces your reliance on medications. It also improves allergic asthma symptoms, which helps you breathe easier. You can even enjoy exercise and other activities without worry! Treatment for allergies can save you money on medications in the long run. Over time, fewer maintenance appointments are required, while a decreased response to triggers is sustained. Immunotherapy also offers treatment for adults with severe allergic reactions to bee or wasps stings. This treatment can reduce the risks of a fatal sting by as much as 95%. Prompt allergy diagnosis and treatment in childhood has tremendous implications for a young family member’s entire life; early interventions (diagnostic and therapy) result in improved outcomes, decreased symptoms, and can even prevent asthma from developing. 

What to expect from treatment

With immunotherapy, you are gradually exposed to increasing quantities of allergens. The idea is to “retrain” your immune system. Our doctors offer an effective and safe accelerated treatment schedule. So, you can get faster relief. During each treatment, they will give you a small injection of each of your allergens. These injections are similar to vaccines. During the buildup phase, you’ll visit our office a couple of times each week as your tolerance is increased.

After each injection, you may notice redness and swelling in the area. Some patients will have allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, or hives. Both children and adults can undergo immunotherapy; however, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology notes that these “allergy shots” are typically not recommended for patients aged five and younger. 

We monitor all of our patients for about 30 minutes after each treatment. Extreme reactions, while very rare, can happen. After a few months of treatment, you’ll enter the maintenance phase. Dr. Noga Askenazi and staff determine the best treatment interval during this phase, which maybe once or twice a month. After three to five years, most patients won’t require additional allergy treatment and can enjoy life.

We also offer various holistic treatment options, including sinus rinses, herbal remedies, and avoidance strategies for environmental triggers. These treatments can supplement immunotherapy or ease mild reactions among patients who don’t want allergy shots. 

To learn more about allergy treatment, schedule an appointment at our offices in Crystal Lake or Elgin, IL. Call us at (847) 888-8802.

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