Crystal Lake allergists offer holistic approaches to allergy treatment

Posted By: Noga Askenazi M.D. | Published On: Jul 7, 2017 | Holistic Allergy Treatment

Allergy sufferers understand that certain seasons can wreak havoc on their immune system. The body’s immune system interprets certain substance such as pollen, ragweed, and mold as invaders, triggering a response that causes many bothersome symptoms. These seasonal irritants can be hard to control and finding the source can be difficult.

Traditional vs. holistic allergy treatment

Traditional allergy treatment typically involves antihistamines, steroids, and decongestants. The goal of this type of treatment is to stop the common symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes.

Traditional treatment provides relief that is temporary and symptoms re-emerge as the medicine wears off. Additionally, many of these medications can cause extreme drowsiness, impacting a person’s daily activities.

Holistic allergy treatment focuses on preventing the immune system’s response to allergens before you suffer from the symptoms. Many allergic responses can be traced back to hormonal, adrenal, or immune disorders. Patients with these disorders have an immune system that is unable to distinguish which substances are unsafe.

Stabilizing the immune system

When allergies occur, it is due to mast cell activation. This process triggers a release of histamines, which cause the symptoms. Holistic treatments can stabilize and prevent these mast cell activations.

Some good examples of holistic allergy cures include:

Certain dietary substances
At-home treatments (ex. Neti pot)
Acupuncture
Nutrition
Increased water consumption
Eliminating common allergens from the home
Humidifier in winter, dehumidifier in summer
Regular cleaning of air filters and air conditioner

It’s important to consult with an allergist prior to embarking on any home or natural remedies. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C. in Crystal Lake, we’re available to help patients put an end to their suffering through both traditional and holistic approaches to allergy treatment. To learn more about allergy treatments, please call us today (847) 888-8802 to schedule an appointment.

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Meredith Cirrincione, MS, PA-C

Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.

Noga Askenazi M.D.

Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.

Susan Bockman, FNP

Susan Bockman is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating asthma, allergies, and related skin conditions. With both personal and professional experience in managing allergies, she brings a compassionate and holistic approach to patient care. Susan earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing. She is deeply committed to supporting families and individuals through comprehensive, empathetic care. Outside the clinic, she enjoys genealogy, long walks with audiobooks, antiquing, and watching football with her family.