22
Oct
Environmental factors and Advancements in medicine can decrease allergic reactions
Recent statistics provided by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimate that 50 million Americans have some type of allergy.
In most cases, allergies first appear during infancy or childhood, with allergic disorders ranking first among children’s chronic diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 7 million children suffer from allergic rhinitis - hay fever - and that number has been increasing every year.
Dr. Robert L. Levy, MD, selected as a Chicago Top Doctor by TopTierMD as a top rated pediatrician, believes that attacking the problem of childhood allergies starts with looking at environmental factors and finding a medication that is specific to the problem.
“The first thing that is important is cleaning up the environment as best you can,” Dr. Levy said. “What I would stress is the availability of good first environmental toiletry and making sure everything is as hypoallergenic as possible.”
Steps should also be taken to help control such allergens as dust mites, mold and pet dander for year round or perennial allergies.
The ability to treat specific problems with medications targeting the problems in a specific organ has become more available to doctors over the past decade.
“The judicial use of medication specifically targeted to the area involved is much more helpful than generalized medication," Dr. Detjen said. "They minimize side effects and maximize the benefit of the medication. For example, now you can treat allergic rhinitis with inner nasal medications like nasal steroids, which are introduced in nose rather than having to get medication absorbed [through the stomach].”
Dr. Robert L. Levy, MD was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered to be best in children’s health in Chicago. He specializes in general pediatrics, the treatment of pediatric allergies and immunology.
