 | 
Nancy Juhlin, M.D., on the left, with her partner,
Christine Puig, M.D.
|
Allergies are much more
common now than they
were in your grandma's
day. According to Nancy Juhlin,
M.D., and Christine Puig, M.D.,
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
specialists at Auburn Regional
Medical Center (ARMC), there
are many theories why, from
overuse of antibiotics to an
increase in environmental
pollution.
People's allergy symptoms can
vary and even become associated
with asthma. An allergy to pollen,
for example, can increase or
decrease in severity from year to
year. The type of symptoms that
people experience can change --
sneezing can become itchy, irritated
eyes, dizziness may develop or asthma
symptoms may increase over the years.
Parents should suspect allergies when
a child's symptoms of nasal congestion
or a runny nose last for many weeks.
An ENT specialist can perform tests
to determine the source of the allergy
and ways to manage it. Treatment
options typically include allergy shots,
changes in the home environment or
several medication options -- either
prescription or over-the-counter
medicines like Claritin® and Zyrtec®.
Get Help for Your Allergies
If you have allergies, treatment can
help. For a physician referral, please call
Direct DoctorsSM Plus at 1-800-370-8640
or go to www.auburnregional.com and
click Find a Doctor on the left side.
