‘Tis the season -- allergy season, that is. Are you plagued by sneezing, stuffy nose, aching sinuses, foggy thinking, teary eyes. Yup! It’s allergies at their worst. Some 40 percent of school children have seasonal allergies. Nationally, about two million school days are missed due to allergies or side effects of allergy medicine. Many think that here in Arizona’s dry climate allergies will be better. The truth is, when your body is hypersensitive, you will develop allergies almost anywhere.

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a stimulus, such as dust, pollen, grass, food, chemicals, pet dander, mold, etc. The immune system believes it is being invaded by a harmful allergen in the environment (internal or external), and therefore rallies its defenses to fight off the invader. The obvious symptoms of allergy are quite easy to identify; however, less expected reactions are also common such as behavior changes, hyperactivity, somnolence, muscle aches and GI upset.

Dr. Doris Rapp, a board-certified environmental medical specialist, pediatric allergist and homeopath, spent over 20 years linking the effects of environmental toxins to behavior and childhood allergies. In her book “Is This Your Child’s World?” she vividly portrays the devastating effects of food sensitivities, chemicals, pollens, etc. on children’s behaviors. She found that eliminating the toxic source could dramatically improve a child’s behavior as well as allergy symptoms.

Testing can identify the offending allergen(s). A 15 minute skin test detects dust, animal, tree, grass, mold, and insect allergies; as well as common food allergies. Most insurances cover skin allergy testing. For those who suffer with GI symptoms, headaches, fatigue as well as nasal/sinus symptoms, there are blood tests that detect immune hypersensitivity to foods. This test requires prior authorization with most insurance companies.

Treating childhood and adult allergies can be frustrating. There are three main approaches to treating allergies. The first is avoidance. This is difficult as pollens travel 50 miles or more from the source. Foods can be eliminated from the diet a little more easily. Pet dander, dust, mites, mold and chemicals are more insidious to detect and eradicate.

Sublingual (SLIT) or subcutaneous (SCIT) immunotherapy uses specially prepared solutions from the testing to desensitize the affected person. Sublingual drops are administered under the tongue daily at home and are very safe. It takes about two months to see the effects of desensitization drops. Prolonged therapy of 3-4 years can provide 20 or more years of allergy remission. Subcutaneous injections are performed weekly or biweekly in a medical provider’s office. There is a higher risk of reactivity, such as anaphylaxis, to injections; therefore they are administered under close supervision. Three to four years of injection therapy are recommended to provide extended relief.

The most common treatment method is OTCs and prescribed medication. Medications treat the symptoms; however, do not reduce immune hypersensitivity. When the allergens return the misery returns.

Identification and treatment of allergies can make a significant improvement in lifestyle. For many children, treating allergies can dramatically improve their performance in school. Adults often reduce lost work days as well as stop the use of antihistamines and other OTC medications by allergy treatment. Fountain Hills medical providers that offer allergy testing include AFC Physical Medicine, Fountain Hills Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, and Fountain Hills Family Practice.