Relief from summer allergies

Summertime ... and the sneezing isn’t easy. Dr. Barry Lampl, founder of Allergy Diagnostics, reminds us that spring was just the first round for allergy sufferers in Northeast Ohio. 

“Many patients experienced significant tree allergy symptoms through the spring, with typical issues like congestion, sneezing, coughing, and chest tightness,” Dr. Lampl says. “The good news is, no matter the season, there are ways to alleviate allergy symptoms for sufferers of all ages.”

Dr. Lampl says we should expect tree allergy season to last through June, and grass season through July. 

“Next comes what is often referred to as ‘rose fever,’ or classic hay fever, which will last through the first frost,” says Dr. Lampl. “This trifecta of allergies can be debilitating for some people, most often in children and young adults, affecting their overall well-being.”

Dr. Lampl says genetics are a factor with allergies. If one parent suffers, a child has a 40% chance of developing them. If both parents suffer, that risk jumps to 60%. 

“Medications can provide temporary relief but don’t modulate the immune system, and symptoms will worsen over time,” says Dr. Lampl. “We conduct a thorough history and physical exam followed by pain-free testing for common allergens to identify your specific allergy triggers and pinpoint the best treatment.”

When medications fail, Dr. Lampl’s therapies can include immunotherapy, where a patient is exposed to small doses of the allergen and, over time, builds tolerance to their specific allergens.

“We approach each patient individually,” says Dr. Lampl. “Unfortunately, allergy triggers are all around us and are difficult to avoid. But relief and elimination are possible.”

Allergy Diagnostics has locations in Westlake, Parma, Fairlawn, Mentor, Strongsville and Beachwood. For information and appointments call 440-777-9969 or visit AllergyDiagnostics.com.