Sever allergies (such as anaphylaxis): What can do to prevent this.?

[PrayerGirl]

I have severe allergic reactions to cats, rodents & mold. I commonly have an a mild anaphylaxis reaction if I come in contact with some one who owns a cats. (I guess because of the cat dander.) For the most part I have been able to deal with this, but for the last 3 weeks I have not been able to attended church because of my allergies. Saturday I almost had to go to the hospital after church because of an mild anaphylaxis reaction. (I used my inhaler in church but these didn't seem to help much.) Is there any thing that can be done to improve my tolerance to allergies? I take allergy meds & use an asthma inhaler, but none of this really seems to prevent a sever reaction? I tried talking with my doctor, but he says that there is nothing he can do. I asked him if I should see an allergist but he says that that an allergist would be a wast of time & money. Any advise will be greatly appreciated

[livemoreamply]

First off your doctor seems very narrow minded. An allergist spend just as much money and time studying his craft as your doctor did. Why would he simply dismiss such great hard earned skills?

No I'm not an allergist. I've never even been to one. But I know they are specialist in their field, your doctor's opinion not withstanding.

I have experience on my side: I had really bad allergies in the spring and fall, as well as allergies to cat hair. This pair of supplements (links below) have freed me from them for the past three years and counting. I'm talking about the watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, colds, sinus, throat and ear infections, tonsilitis, all related to my allergies. Now all gone:

OPC-3 ( http://www.getopc3.info ) and
ORAC (http://www.marketamerica.com/betteyee/index.cfm?action=shopping.uoProduct&storeID=8&prod ID=13037

[versantly]

continue to keep benedryl and your epi pen handy. ask your allergist for better meds for treatment.

[heaven help me]

I have never heard of mild anaphylaxis. You either go into anaphlactic shock or you don't. The only way to recover from it is the use of an Epi Pen and/or a trip to the ER.

"Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction marked by swelling of the throat or tongue, hives, and trouble breathing. When it strikes, life is at risk. And time is critical." (#1)

My daughter is 2 and is severely allergic to ant stings among other things. Just recently we did a venom test to see the possibility of her having an anaphylactic reaction. The test determined that there is a strong possibility, so we carry an Epi Pen around constantly. Your symptoms sound more like an allergic reaction. Hives, labored breathing (but w/o throat constriction), itching, watery eyes are just a few that we have encountered on a regular basis.

She goes regularly to an allergist and trust me it is money well spent. We have tested for over 300 substances and learned that some of her allergies were not true allergies, but just sensitivity to the substance. We also learned 2 things that she is truly allergic to (but not severely). An allergist can do several different tests to determine what you are allergic (allergens) to and what you are sensitive (irritants) to. Then based on the tests they can tell you what meds are best for what you are reacting to. We have learned for her actual allergies using Singulair on a daily bases keeps her outbreaks to a minimum. For her irritants, we use a prescription antihistamine. Benadryl doesn't faze her. When she breaks out in hives (either allergen or irritant), we also rub her in a steroid ointment 3-4 times a day for 4 days and cut down on bathes, as this makes her outbreak worse.

If you have to have a referral to an allergist, ask that your doctor give you one, and if he thinks it's a waste of money, tell him that it's your money. Here is a quote from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

"An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat allergies and asthma. Becoming an allergist/immunologist requires completion of at least nine years of training." (#2) I love this website!!!