Crystal Lake IL residents share community with allergist team specialized in identifying, treating allergic conditions
You may have thought you were in the clear. After all, you never had an allergy as a child. Then, to your alarm, you began experiencing eyes so watery and itchy it’s sometimes tough to drive. You’re missing more work because of the unbearable itch, congestion and sneezing. You can’t run outside or enjoy sports as you did without the roof of your mouth itching uncontrollably, or the sinus pressure cuts your workout short. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. You’re a grown-up, after all.
Shattering the myth
The truth is, half of new allergies occur in adults, most often after age 40. Frequently we have animal dander, pollen, dust mites, and mold to blame for our adult-onset allergy.
What you think is a “new” allergy may be a flare of an old allergy. The kids that so commonly develop allergies may find these disruptive symptoms subside, only to reappear later in life.
Maybe symptoms that were so mild you and your family never thought to see a doctor are now strong. Maybe the allergy itself has evolved, what started as an intermittent spring allergy, for instance, has become a more persistent mold or mite allergy. Perhaps you are simply more exposed to allergens now as an adult than you were as a kid; for instance, maybe your job or a career change is prompting you to be around latex, wood dust or grain, all common allergens.
Even relocating to a different home or part of the country can put you in close proximity to triggers you didn’t even know you had, such as chemicals coming from a nearby highway.
Just because you are older doesn’t mean you can’t develop allergies. It’s no excuse to suffer anymore.
Our allergists, Dr. Noga Askenazi, and the staff can diagnose, treat, and help you prevent allergies and related allergic conditions. What’s more, as board-certified professionals, you can be assured at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois we are on the leading edge of safe and effective treatment options.
Medications and other therapies to treat your allergy may include:
- Lifestyle changes centered on avoidance or minimizing exposure to the irritant
- OTC or prescription antihistamines, decongestants, steroid pills, creams, ointments
- Allergy shots or immunotherapy to change the immune system’s tolerance of, response to allergens
For the best allergy treatment, see an allergist. Crystal Lake IL residents, our compassionate and advanced approach to these specialized conditions is conveniently located on Route 176, just west of Route 31. Make an appointment to see us by calling (847) 888-8802.
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