Peak Medical
Specialty Centres
Local & Toll Free Telephone and Fax: 1-855-738-PEAK (7325)
Peak Medical
PEAK ALLERGY CLINIC
Specialty
Centres
ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGENS,
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT
Local and Toll Free Telephone & Fax 1-855-PFT-PEAK (738-7325)
www.peakpulmonary.com
[email protected]
DR. MICHAEL SORG B.SC., M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)
CPSA 022345
Peak Medical
Specialty Centres
Local & Toll Free Telephone and Fax: 1-855-738-PEAK (7325)
Allergy vs. Irritant vs. Infection vs. Autoimmune Disorder
Allergy - Exposure to a substance that would not result in a reaction in most people. It requires the immune system to
develop a response to an allergen (develop antibodies). It can be immediate or delayed. Inflammation is a feature.
Irritant - Immune system not involved. Body defense mechanisms respond with action (sneezing, coughing). Cigarette
smoke, exhaust from cars, scents of perfume or room deodorizers.
Infection - Exposure to a bacteria, fungi or virus that results in immune system response including inflammation. Often
includes fever. The infection would cause similar reactions in all people.
Autoimmune Disorder - Body’s immune system cannot differentiate between antigens and healthy body tissues which
causes a response that destroys normal and healthy body tissues - a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergic
response), occurs.
Environmental Allergy
Perennial (year round) - pets, dust, indoor mold
Seasonal - trees, grass, weeds, molds
Allergy Symptoms
Nose - itchy, sneezing, runny nose (clear discharge), congested/blocked
Eyes - red and itchy, watery and puffy
Ears - itchy
Mouth - itchy
Throat - itchy and sore
Chest - cough, difficulty taking deep breath, chest tightness, wheeze
Spacers slow down the speed of aerosol medication from
the inhaler, meaning that less of the drug impacts the back
of the mouth and throat and more may get into the lungs.
As a result, less medication is needed for an effective dose
to reach the lungs, and there are fewer side effects from
corticosteroid residue in the mouth.
DR. MICHAEL SORG B.SC., M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)
CPSA 022345
Peak Medical
Specialty Centres
Local & Toll Free Telephone and Fax: 1-855-738-PEAK (7325)
List of Allergens
Seasonal
Allergen
Pollen Time
Trees
Alder, Cedar, Juniper
Elm, Birch
Maple, Cottonwood
Oak, Sycamore, Ash Pine
February – April
March – April
March – May
April – May
Grass
Grass Mix
Brome
May – July
June – July
Weeds
Plantain
Dock/Sorrel
Sagebrush
Scale
Ragweed, Kochia, Russian
Thistle, Marshelder
Pigweed
April – August
May – July
June – September
June – August
July – August
July – September
Molds
Penicillium,
Aspergillus, Pullularia,
Spring – Fall frost
Fusarium, Epicoccum,
Increased during rainy season
Helminthosporium,
Cladosporium, Alternaria
Perennial (Year Round)
Cat, Dog, Other house pets
Cockroach, Dust
Pollen Counts – Weather Network - http://www.theweathernetwork.com/outdoors/pollen/canada/alberta/calgary
Please note: Pollen time frame can vary by the weather
DR. MICHAEL SORG B.SC., M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)
CPSA 022345
Peak Medical
Specialty Centres
Local & Toll Free Telephone and Fax: 1-855-738-PEAK (7325)
Treatment
Avoidance
Seasonal Allergens (trees, grass, weeds, molds)
• You can close windows; do not dry clothing outside during pollen season; avoid being outside in the morning if possible,
or on windy days
• Use air conditioning; change air filters
Perennial Allergens
• Pets should be avoided if possible or, may try keeping the pet out of the bedroom
• Replace carpeting with hard surface flooring
• Limit or remove fabric upholstered furniture and curtains and use alternatives (vinyl, leather, wood, etc.)
• Wash bedding and curtains regularly. To remove dog dander, use one of these three techniques:
- Wash in water at least 140°F with one rinse
- Wash at any temperature with two rinses
- Wash in a steam washing machine
• Use double bag or HEPA filter on vacuum; HEPA air filters/purifiers can be used in the bedroom or family room
• Keep ‘dust collectors’ out of the bedroom; keep only new, washable teddies on the bed
• Use tightly woven dust mite proof coverings on all bedding (mattresses, box springs and pillows)
Allergy Control Cover Suppliers - may also be found at mattress companies and bedding stores
http://www.allergycontrol.com
http://www.allergycanada.com
http://www.canadianallergy.com
Medications
Antihistamines: Available over the counter - works within an hour
24 hour: Claritin (Loratidine), Aerius (Desloratidine), Reactine (Cetirizine), Allegra (Fexofenadine)
6 hour: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), Pheneram (Chlorpheneramine)
Nasal Rinses: Available over the counter - temporary relief - salt water
Salinex, Neilmed, Hydrasense
Nasal Steroids: Prescribed - Takes days to weeks to work
- Nasonex (Mometasone Furoate), Avamys (Fluticasone Furoate), Omnaris (Ciclesonide), Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate), Rhinocort (Budesonide), Nasocort (Triamcinolone Acetonide)
Eye drops: Prescribed: Pataday (Olopatadine Hydrochloride), Cromolyn
- Available over the counter - artificial tears
Grastek, Oralair and Ragwitek: Prescribed sublingual immunotherapy tablet - used to treat grass/pollen allergies
Generally started 8-16 weeks before the season
Monteleukast (Singulair): Prescribed tablet - usually begins working within a few days
Immunotherapy
Gives a chance of cure. A few options exist:
• Weekly injections for 13 weeks: Available for standard dosing of seasonal allergens including trees, grass, weeds
• Weekly injections for 26 weeks: Available for a wide variety of allergens both seasonal and perennial
• After completion of weekly injection, injections are then given once monthly for 3 to 5 years to maintain benefit
*Side effects: local reactions – most common; systemic reactions (ex: hives) - 1/500, severe systemic reaction (anaphylaxis) &
possibly death - 1/ 2,500,000 (asthma/copd – highest risk)*
DR. MICHAEL SORG B.SC., M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)
CPSA 022345