Foo - allergist?

Anybody here go to an allergist, like it?

I was dragged as a kid, hated it, fought through it, sort of attained equilibrium w/ managing my situation solo once I was living on my own.

Now my son (turning 8 tomorrow) is showing some allergies, I'm wondering if we should try to do something about it or just focus him on a combination of toughing it out and avoiding things that make it worse. I am skeptical of allergists but willing to work against that skepticism if I could hear success stories.

Nothing food related as far as we can tell, mostly just the usual plants and animals, and apparently perfumes, it was pretty attention-getting the other day when the smell of the detergent aisle in the supermarket set him off to gasping. (But not wheezing).

He's otherwise active and healthy, pretty vigorous actually.

Why not ask him what he thinks?

I get allergy shots. I was dubious when I first started several years ago, and it is a big time investment and it is a while before you see any positive effects.

However, I went from:
- feeling like I had a constant head cold
- having to carry a big wad of kleenex everywhere I went
- no sense of smell for several years
- frequent sinus infections

to:
- being able to breath clearly and easily all the time
- never having to take allergy medications

I am allergic to pretty much every type of tree, grass and weed around, as well as dust and dust mites and mold. It wasn't easy, I'm one of the rare people that had a systemic reaction to the shots, but even with that it was well worth it in the change in quality of life. I would definitely recommend it to any adults with severe allergies. :thumb:

I can't really comment on how worth it would be for a kid to get allergy shots, as allergies can change a fair amount as kids grow up. I think that is more a question for the doctor. However, I would think it is at least worth getting some tests done and having a good discussion with the allergist.

Why not ask him what he thinks?

He's willing to go along, which is quite a concession from someone who has no regard for anything medical. MsIncredible's story is compelling but there is that whole things-change-rapidly-w/-kids thing. Thanks for that testimonial MI it does sound great.

do something. If nothing else try some claritin and zyrtec and get him a neti pot. Switch out the furnace filter with a really good one, allergen cover for his bed, etc. Stuff that's cheap to do and made a lot of difference for me.

Re furnace filter, I haven't seen any data but just replacing a $5 accordion filter monthly rather than quarterly (stated lifespan) was huge for me. My uncle does hvac and says the benefits of a more expensive disposable are primarily aimed at stopping growth that won't have time to catch hold if you just throw the thing out often enough.

We've tried the neti pot w/ him, he is so not into that (so much that he'd rather get shots, at least he says that until confronted w/ a needle)

You may want to start with a visit with your Pediatrician, and discuss what is happening and the symptoms. They have a new blood test that identifies what he may be reacting to, then the doc can suggest a treatment plan or refer you to an Allergist if necessary. The blood test avoids the old method of the skin testing. The first step would seem to me to be finding exactly what it is that you son is reacting to, then you can act to treat and/or avoid.

Do you think the shots have helped with the dust, mites, and mold allergies? That's what I've got and my symptoms keep on getting worse. The next step is probably allergy shots, since the allegra and sudafed aren't doing it anymore.

Yes they definitely have.

He's willing to go along, which is quite a concession from someone who has no regard for anything medical. MsIncredible's story is compelling but there is that whole things-change-rapidly-w/-kids thing. Thanks for that testimonial MI it does sound great.

Good luck getting something worked out for him.

He's willing to go along, which is quite a concession from someone who has no regard for anything medical. MsIncredible's story is compelling but there is that whole things-change-rapidly-w/-kids thing. Thanks for that testimonial MI it does sound great.

My brother got allergy shots when he was a kid. Seemed to help him, but I didn't pay too much attention. :)

Great to know. I went to an allergist before and got tested but allegra and environmental stuff was working at the time so I didn't ask too much about shots. Might have to go back in a year or so (once I'm done with the lyme treatment, since all that can screw up the immune system by itself) and start the shots. Hopefully I can give them to myself at home instead of going to the doctor every week.

It's unlikely they will let you do the shots yourself at home. Most offices will require that you stay there for 20-30 minutes after the shots to monitor you in case you have a reaction to them.