Seasonal allergies put a damper on the glory of springtime for many. Aside from presenting brilliant beauty to behold, budding flowers and blooming trees can mean sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, and general misery for the estimated 50 million allergy sufferers across America. Sometimes, it is simply impossible to avoid these allergens, and over-the-counter medications may not provide adequate relief. Medical treatment is available for such patients who are suffering from seasonal allergies in Clearwater, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Trinity, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, FL, and the surrounding areas. At St. Francis Medical Institute, our knowledgeable team of allergy experts stands ready to help.
Led by Dr. Frank Averill, a board-certified pulmonologist who completed a fellowship in allergy and immunology at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University, our team has more than 20 years of collective experience in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of allergies. We offer the most advanced allergy testing methods, personalized service, and emotional and spiritual support to patients who are experiencing seasonal allergies.
The first step in finding relief for the symptoms of your seasonal allergies is to determine their precise cause. When you consult with Dr. Averill, he will perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation that may include a detailed medical history, examination, and possible skin tests, blood tests, lung function tests, or x-rays.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, some of the treatment options we offer for seasonal allergies include:
- Medication – Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids can help suppress the body’s overreaction to allergens, and thus relieve symptoms.
- Immunotherapy – Also known as desensitization, this treatment regimen involves the administration of regular injections of tiny amounts of purified allergen extract. Over time, the injections have a cumulative effect of helping the body build tolerances to allergy triggers.
- Emergency epinephrine – For patients who suffer severe seasonal allergies, Dr. Averill can prescribe an emergency epinephrine shot to be carried at all times. This strong medication can be a lifesaver to a patient who experiences a severe anaphylactic reaction and needs time to seek emergency medical treatment.
Contact us today if you’re a patient suffering from seasonal allergies in Clearwater, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Largo, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, and the surrounding Florida areas. We can help with allergy avoidance, and we also offer COPD, bronchitis, and asthma treatment in a professional but welcoming environment in which patients can expect individualized, progressive care from a trusted allopathic physician.