More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and asthma. Climate change with rising carbon dioxide levels increase pollen and fungi production, and cause more symptoms. Dust mites and animals add to indoor problems. Asthma, sinus infections, congestion, runny nose, drainage, eye and ear problems and skin allergies can result.

An allergist is specially trained to find the source of your symptoms and treat you to help you feel healthy. Avoiding allergens is very difficult. Medicines such as antihistamines and nasal steroids are short-term options for people with mild allergy, but can cause side effects.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of immunotherapy, or “allergy shots”, which is the only treatment proven to prevent the progression of allergies and asthma and provide long term control for pollen, mold, insect and animal allergy. It can stop the source of the problem to control the symptoms and reduce the need for medicines and doctor’s visits. It has been proven over the past century as a safe, effective treatment for pollen, mold, insect and animal allergy in adults and children, the elderly and pregnant women. The FDA approved procedure involves injections of increasing amounts of allergens until symptoms improve.

When your symptoms are affecting your quality of life or your productivity, causing missed days of school or work, or just preventing you from enjoying life, come see the allergists at Richmond Allergy and Asthma. We have the training and expertise to treat more than just the symptoms of these allergies. We can identify the source of your suffering and stop it.

For more information visit: www.richmondallergy.com/

Lawrence E. Gelber, M.D. serves as President and Managing Partner of Richmond Allergy and Asthma Specialists.