Help the American Academy of Allergy Allergy Asthma and Immunology Save Patient access to Allergy Shots.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), a professional membership organization of more than 6,800 allergist/immunologists, is spreading the word that newly proposed regulations from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) could dramatically limit patient access to allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Sign the Petition!

Help the AAAAI save patient access to allergy shots. Sign this petition to let USP know they should keep the existing requirements in place—and not move forward with these new proposed regulations.

What are allergy shots and who is proposing these new regulations?

Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are an important treatment for allergic diseases that has substantially improved patient care, reduced emergency room visits, decreased medication costs and decreased hospitalization.

As mentioned above, the new regulations are being introduced by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). There is no data in the peer-reviewed medical literature that allergy shots have ever caused infections in patients, but this is the concern driving USP to propose these new guidelines.

Sign the Petition! #saveallergyshots

If these new regulations go into effect, how will it impact patients?

The more extensive procedures for mixing under the new regulations would make it highly unlikely that allergists would be able to continue to mix allergen extracts for their patients in the office setting.

Non-healthcare system employed physicians will have very limited options to secure allergy immunotherapy prescriptions for their patients. There are only two facilities that have been identified as resources for this service in the United States. Having to use outside facilities may limit the timelines of allergy shot treatment, among other consequences. Also Medicare currently does not cover allergen immunotherapy manufactured by a third party vendor. Thus, Medicare recipients, and potentially commercially insured patients, would no longer have allergen immunotherapy as a covered service. USP’s proposed requirements would directly transfer the cost of a previously covered benefit to the beneficiary. 

Sign the Petition! #saveallergyshots

What can I do to prevent these regulations from going into effect?

Again, sign this petition to let USP know: 1) you are concerned about how these proposed changes will impact patient access to allergen immunotherapy and 2) they should keep the existing requirements in place.

Sign the Petition! #saveallergyshots

Want more information about allergy shots and how they work?
Gramercy Allergy and Asthma hopes you gain control over your allergies in the new year.  We are here to help.   Call the office or click her to schedule an appointment.

Why Should You Get Control Over Your Allergies in the New Year?

January is a time of resolutions and change.  The air is always a buzz with self reflection, inspiration, and people taking stock of their lives.  It's a time to ask yourself what's going well and where do you want to improve your life. The change in the calendar inspires us all to start fresh and change.  We tell our friends and family of our goals for the year hoping they'll support and encourage us.  These resolutions help drive the course for the new year and act as reminders of who we want to be and how we want to fill our year.

What are 5 reasons that getting control of your allergies may be one of the best decisions you make for 2016?

Uncontrolled Allergies Affect Our Day-to Day Life.
Those who suffer from allergies know how to well the social embarrassment of being on a day with a runny nose, a business meeting where you can stop sneezing our having to cancel a day to the park because of an asthma attack.  Allergies sufferers are often thought to have recurrent colds and to be sick all the time.  Allergies change our voice and the authority and confidence we present ideas with in meetings or school.  Asthma attacks and food allergies drive us to the emergency room every year.
Knowing what is triggering your symptoms and having a plan for prevention puts you back in control over the cause of these attacks. An allergist and immunologist will help you determine a specific plan to prevent your symptoms.  Treatments for allergies including action plans, environmental control measures, medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots).

                           

Uncontrolled Allergies affect our sleep.
Daily fatigue and poor sleep is a common complaint of those who suffer from allergies.  Children and adults have difficulty concentrating during the daytime secondary to poor allergy control.  Nasal congestion during sleep and waking from sneezing can trigger snoring and sleep apnea.  Uncontrolled asthma can cause a persistent dry cough and frequent interruptions in your sleep cycle. Both of these disease leads to "allergic" inflammation that makes many feel groggy and tired.  Improved control over your asthma and allergies will improve your energy levels and focus.

                     
                                     

Uncontrolled Allergies and Asthma are Preventing you From Exercising
So many of my patients tell me that they want to start to exercise, but feel they can't because of uncontrolled asthma or hives with exercise.    Asthma and hives are often triggered by exercise.  You don't have to have asthma at any other time other than during exercise to have exercise induced asthma.  Symptoms include chest tightness, air hunger, cough and shortness of breath.  Seeing an allergist will help you get control over your exercise induced symptoms so you can exercise and do the activities you want to do like hiking or run a race.
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Your Allergies are Causing Skin Problems
Did you know that 12-17% of the population is affected with skin allergies including eczema  and chemical allergies.  Skin allergies cause social embarrassment, sleep disruption, and change the way we interact with others. Every day we put over 200 chemicals on our bodies that can cause allergic sensitization over time.  Treating skin allergies with topical steroids is only a band-aid approach- it stops the reaction, but does nothing to prevent it from happening in the future.    Knowing what is triggering the eczema or rash on your face and avoiding it can stop the cycle.  Seeing an allergist advice will help you determine the cause of your rash and how to prevent it from starting.

                                             

You Want to To Get Back to Nature
Many who suffer from allergy tell me how they dread the spring, summer and fall because despite wanting to go and enjoy nature, they get terribly sick from trips to the park, golf course, and being outside with their friends.  They say no to social engagements for fear of an allergy attack. They change the way they date because they are allergic to cats and dogs.  They suffer from "sinusitis" every spring and fall and have to take multiple courses of antibiotics before feeling well.Seeing an allergist now can help you put together a plan to prevent your symptoms.  Knowing what triggers your symptoms is the first step to taking back your life from you allergies.
                                                




Good luck with all of your resolutions in 2016! Gramercy Allergy and Asthma hopes you gain control over your allergies in the new year.  We are here to help.   Call the office or click her to schedule an appointment.

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What Are the Top 5 Ways that Allergies Can Make You Tired?

As New Yorkers, many of us are running on empty.  Work, social, and family demands are often great and push us to our limits. Many of us blame our lack of energy on "doing to much" and not taking enough downtown, but if you have uncontrolled allergies they actually may be contributing to your lack of energy and feeling of brain fog.

What are the Top 5 Ways that Allergies Can Cause You to be Tired?  

1) Nasal Congestion

Many over the counter and prescription allergy medications cause a side effect of drowsiness and fatigue.  This can happen suddenly, or with increased use over time.

Did you know that our beds are filled with allergic triggers such as dust mites, feathers, and pet dander.  These allergic triggers can cause severe nasal congestion that happens about 20-30 minutes after falling asleep.  A stuffy nose is the number one cause of sleep disturbances in allergy suffers.  Incorrect breathing, via your mouth or even snoring, can mimic sleep apnea, a dangerous condition.  

2) Post Nasal Drip

Many allergy suffers have a chronic post nasal drip.  During the day time it's less noticable then when lying flat because we swallow the mucous.  At night time, post nasal drip can cause throat itching and coughing that can wake you up from sleep.

3) Side Effects of Allergy Medications

Many over the counter allergies medications can have the side effect of fatigue and grogginess.  This can occur on the first dose or after long term use.

4) Production of Inflammatory Mediators From an Allergic Reaction

People who suffer from allergies have allergic inflammation in their bodies.  These inflammatory mediators are similar to those that our bodies produce during a cold or viral infection and can cause symptoms of feeling fatigue, brain fog, and feeling drained.

5) Night Awakenings from Coughing

Did you know that uncontrolled asthma can present just at nighttime with a dry cough or wheezing? This is called nocturnal asthma.  Asthma symptoms that seem worsen in the middle of the night, typically between 2AM and 4AM, are a significant cause of fatigue and poor sleep for those with allergies. Interestingly, nocturnal asthma can affect anyone with any type of asthma.  What might trigger the worsening asthma at night?  Sinus infections, post nasal drip and your body clock can trigger asthma.  

What should you do if you believe your allergies and asthma are triggering fatigue?

See an allergy specialist for full evaluation.  Poor sleep and fatigue is a leading cause of poor concentration at school and work.  By knowing what is triggering your symptom of fatigue and brain fog, you can avoid and treat the problem.

Want my help?  Please click here to make an appointment or visit gramercyallergy.com

August is National Immunization Month- Why Should You Get Immunized?

August is National Immunization Month- Why Should You Get Immunized?

The month of August brings reminders and memories of back to school, meeting your fist college roommate or trying out for sports teams.  It’s also a great month to check in with your physician to make sure your vaccines are up to date.  The CDC has labeled August as National Immunization Awareness Month to raise the importance of vaccination not just in childhood, but through our entire lives.

Vaccination is one of the great victories in medicine in prevention of disease.   In 1000 AD, the Chinese and Turks began the practice of inoculation with small pox to prevent disease.  Edward Jenner didn’t bring vaccination to small pox into practice until 1796.  Since, we’ve expanded our ability to protect infants, teens and adults against many preventable diseases that before were serious and often led to death. 

Despite these advances, every year, thousands of children and adults in the US needlessly are sick and suffer and are hospitalized from diseases that could be prevented by vaccination.

What are A Few Reasons Why Vaccines Are So Important?

·       They help protect children, teens and adults against many serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

·       Vaccination to protect against 15 diseases is available in the United States.

·       Through this program many diseases such as measles, mumps rubella, influenza, and small pox that used to wreak havoc on communities have now been brought under control. 

·       They help prevent disease such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, human papilloma virus, influenza, shingles, pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria, hepatitis, and whooping cough

Despite knowing this we aren't doing a great job vaccinating adults.

According to CDC data, in 2013:

·       Only 17% of adults 19 years or older had received the tetanus and whooping cough vaccine (Tdap)

·       Only 24% of adults 60 years or older had received shingles (herpes zoster) vaccination. – National Health Interview Survey 2013

·       Only 21% of adults 19 to 64 years at high risk had received pneumococcal vaccination. – National Health Interview Survey 2013

·       Only 42% of adults 18 years or older received a flu vaccine during 2013-2014

vaccination. – National Health Interview Survey 2013

What Are Some Common Myths about Vaccines that Prevent Vaccination?

·       The importance of vaccination ends in childhood

o   Adults should continue to receive vaccinations depending on their health age, and occupation throughout their life

o   Common vaccines for adults include: influenza, pneumonia (Pneumovax), shingles, hepatis B, and whooping cough.  Speak with your doctor to make sure yours are up to date.

o   Check out the CDC's Vaccine Scheduele for Adults to see what vaccines you should have received

·       I’m Egg Allergic and Can’t Get the Flu Vaccine

o   Speak with your allergist regarding specific advice regarding vaccination for flu and egg allergy.

·       Vaccination is dangerous and can lead to disease

o   Vaccines are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored even after they are licensed to ensure that they are very safe

o   Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary.

o   Some people may have allergic reactions to certain vaccines, but serious and long-term side effects are rare.

·       Vaccination will weaken my immune system

o   Vaccination will not weaken your immune system.  Vaccines act like germs to stimulate the immune system against the virus or bacteria so it will mount a response and offer protection against disease.  Vaccines strengthen your body’s response against these illnesses.

·       Vaccination can cause autism

o   No.  Vaccination does not cause autism.

o   Numerous studies have found no link between vaccination and autism.  In 2004, a groundbreaking study from the Institute of medicine found that thimerosal (a preservative in vaccines) does not cause autism.

Have specific questions about vaccine and the importance of them?  Speak with your doctor to get accurate information or look at the CDC’s website.

If you need vaccines, have questions regarding allergy to vaccines, or have questions about vaccines, contact us and we'll help! Want more specific advice on vaccination with one of New York’s Top Allergist?  Visit our website http://www.gramercyallergy.com or click here to schedule an appointment online.

Insect Allergy- What You Need to Know.

 Spending times outdoors this season is such a pleasure, but being bitten by insects can put a damper outside activities.

This is what you need to know now to protect yourself from reactions to insects.

What are signs and symptoms of an insect bite?

·       Pain, swelling and redness confined to the sting site

·       Intense itching at the site.

·       In severe cases, insect bites can cause severe allergic reactions that can result in death.

When Should You Be Worried about An Insect Sting?  

·       There are 3 types of reactions an insect can cause:  a local reaction, a large, local reaction and a systemic allergic reaction.

·       A normal local reaction will result in pain, swelling and redness confined to the sting site.

·       A large local reaction will result in swelling well beyond the sting site. For example, a sting on the forearm could cause the whole arm to swell - a condition that usually peaks two to three days after the sting and can last a week or more.

·       A systemic allergic reaction is the most serious and requires medical attention. Symptoms of a systemic allergic reaction can range from mild to severe.

·       If you’re worried at all, seek immediate medical advice.

What’s Most Likely to Bite Us?

·       Mosquitos, fleas, chiggers, and bed bugs- most likely will cause a local allergic reaction.

·       Wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and bees are the cause of the majority of insect stings- sting insects that can cause a local and/or total body allergic reaction.  About 3 out of 100 adults have severe allergy to flying insects resulting in potentially deadly reaction. 

·       Fire Ants (red or black) - extend from the southern US up into NY.  Bites from these insects typically cause a blistering reaction.

How Can you Prevent Insect Stings/Bites?

• Always wear shoes when walking in the grass. Many bees burrow in the ground and you can unsuspectingly step into their nest.
• Wear bug sprays like Off or Deet.  Wary of harsh chemicals?  Geraniums and citronella are natural mosquito propellants.
• Don’t drink from open soft drink cans; stinging insects are attracted to them and may crawl inside.
• Cover food when eating outside.
• Don’t use sweet-smelling perfume, hairspray or deodorant.
• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing with flowery patterns.
• Protect your legs, arms and body with long pants/long-sleeved shirts when working outside.
• Use caution near bushes, attics and picnic areas. 

How can you Treat Insect Bites?

Local and large local reactions can most likely be treated with OTC anti-histamines and topical steroids.  Some large local reactions will need medical care.

Systemic allergic reactions ALWAYS require medical attention.  Lifesaving epinephrine may be administered.  If you have a reaction, seek treatment from an allergist.  They have treatment that can potentially you of your insect sting.   

Need more help or have questions?  Schedule anappointment here.

Want more information?

Can Pollen Cause Food Allergies?

Spring not only brings out beautiful flowers, but the produce in the grocery stores and farmers markets looks so delicious.  Fresh fruits and vegetables for some are cause for fear.  Biting into them causes small water filled blisters and itchy lips.

Is it Possible that Pollen Can Cause Food Allergies?  

• Nature uses similar patterns over again as building blocks.  Patterns similar on various pollens look like proteins that are also present on fruits and vegetables.  Direct contact with these patterns say when biting into for example, a fresh apple, may cause a local reaction.  
• This is called oral allergy syndrome or pollen-food syndrome

What are Typical Cross Reacting Pollens and Foods?

Birch Pollen:  Apples, almonds, carrot, peanut, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, and plum

Grass Pollen- celery, melon, oranges, peaches, and tomato

Ragweed- banana, cucumber, melons, sunflower seeds and zucchini

What Are Symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome?

• Itchy mouth, scratchy throat or localized swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Itchy ears
• Symptoms localized to the area of contact

How Do you Diagnose Oral Allergy Syndrome?

• See your allergist.  Food allergies can be dangerous and lead to life threatening events.  You want to be sure that you have oral allergy syndrome and not a true food allergy.
• You may need epinephrine and/or other allergy medication.  Your allergist will be able to help determine a specific anaphylaxis plan.  
• Want to be evaluated for oral allergy syndrome?  Book an appointment here.   Gramercy Allergy and Asthma is located near Union Square at 205 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010

What Should You Do if You Are Allergic To Vaccines?

Whether it be vaccination for the flu or meningitis, everyone is talking about vaccines this time of the year.    Public vaccination against diseases is one of the most important scientific achievements of all time and has increased our health and life span.  Summer is the perfect time to get your children vaccinated before returning to school or starting college.


But it raises an interesting dilemma for some persons with vaccine allergy. What should you do if you suspect you are allergic to vaccines?



What is Vaccine Allergy?

• A reaction to vaccination can be either:
• Immediate- these reactions take place within 1 hour of vaccine administration.  Symptoms include hives, swelling, itching, or anaphylaxis
• Delayed - these reactions take place more than 1 day after the vaccination.  Symptoms generally include a total body rash and possibly a fever.

What Causes Vaccine Allergy?

• Depending on the vaccine,  there are different components that can cause an allergic reaction.  Common components that are known to cause an allergic reaction are:
• Gelatin
• Egg
• Chicken
• Cow's Milk
• Yeast
• Antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B, and streptomycin) 
• Latex
• Thimerosal, aluminum, and phenoxyethanol 

Does Being Allergic to A Component Mean you Can't Be Vaccinated?

• No. If you suspect an allergic reaction to a vaccine you should seek evaluation by an allergist/immunologist.
• They will test you to determine the cause of the allergic reaction.
• Once they've identified the allergen, they will help formulate a plan for safe vaccination.

Bottom Line

• Vaccination against disease is one of the most important ways we have against preventing disease
• Don't let suspected allergy prevent you or your child from vaccination
• See an allergist to get help in determining what the allergy is and how you can proceed safely with vaccination.

Need help?  Please call or visit our office at 212-679-3574 or 205 East 22nd Street, NY, NY 10010