Allergy Treatments in Atlanta, GA

Struggling with constant sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes? Allergies can disrupt your daily life and make even daily activities miserable. We offer comprehensive allergy testing, diagnosis, and treatment options such as allergy injections, sublingual drops, or OTC options that will help you breathe again.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can trigger a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening reactions.

Several factors contribute to the development of allergies:

• Genetics: Your family history plays a significant role in determining your likelihood of developing allergies.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain allergens, especially during childhood, can influence allergy development.
• Immune system dysfunction: Sometimes, your immune system may mistakenly identify harmless substances as threats.
• Lifestyle changes: Modern living conditions and dietary habits may contribute to increased allergy prevalence.

How Common Are Allergies in Georgia? 

• Allergies are remarkably common in Georgia, affecting a significant portion of the population. The state's climate and vegetation create an environment where various allergens thrive, leading to higher allergy rates compared to some other regions of the United States.
• Pollen allergies are particularly prevalent, with Georgia consistently ranking high in pollen counts nationwide. Mold allergies are also common due to the state's humidity, affecting many residents year-round.

How To Know If You Have Allergies vs Other Conditions

• Distinguishing between allergies and other conditions can sometimes be challenging, as many symptoms overlap.

Allergies vs Common Cold

• Symptoms of a common cold develop gradually and may include a low-grade fever, though it is not always present. Nasal discharge tends to be thick and colored, but itching is rarely a symptom. A cold typically resolves within 7-10 days without worsening over time.

Allergies vs Sinus Infection

• Sinus infections, or sinusitis, often cause symptoms that persist and may worsen. These include thick, colored nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, and potentially a fever. Acute sinusitis can last for several weeks, while chronic sinusitis may continue for months if untreated.

Allergy Diagnosis

We offer several types of diagnostic allergy testing, including:

• Skin prick testing
• Intradermal skin testing
• Blood testing

Allergy Treatment Options

Our treatments are personalized to your specific needs. Some of the treatment options we offer include:

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

Sublingual Immunotherapy or (SLIT) is a method of allergy treatment that uses an allergen solution given under the tongue, which reduces sensitivity to allergens over the course of treatment.

SLIT can be used to treat allergies in both adults and children and is administered daily at home by the patient by placing three drops under the tongue and holding it for 1 minute to 2 minutes.

The strength of the vial is increased every eight weeks (56 days) until you achieve your maintenance dose.

SLIT is used worldwide and is very safe and effective, and more convenient than receiving allergy injections.

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) is a traditional treatment method involving an ongoing series of allergy shots in the arm or thigh. When administered in our office, patients must wait at least 20 minutes to watch for adverse reactions.

Injections are received anywhere from twice a week to once a month. The amount injected is increased with each visit until the patient is at a maintenance dose. Over time, the patient may be able to administer the shots at home.

Seasonal Allergy Prevention & Treatment

Our own Dr. Karen Hoffmann was interviewed on WSB-TV about Atlanta's high pollen counts, what patients can do to prevent seasonal allergy flare-ups, and how Piedmont ENT & Related Allergy can help you treat your symptoms.