You At Your Best

spONsOr cONteNt Name: You at Your Best 4 x 5" Customer Name: ENHANCED HEALTHCARE-OZARKS Ad Number: 032722NWR9191 Lifestyle changes begin with Aesthetics 5102 W. Pauline Whitaker Parkway | Suite 124 | Rogers 479-662-0891 | www.enhanced-healthcare.org •Turn Back Time Procedures • Facial Services • Skincare • Cosmetic Treatment Services Non-surgical cosmetic procedures Allergies are a common problem among people of all ages. It is the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States; affecting more than 5 million Americans. This disease process leaves someone with chronic sinus pressure, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It can become so severe that it causes interference in one's daily life. Most try to treat their symptoms with antihistamines and decongestants; with some success in relieving the immediate symptoms. For more long-term approach, immunotherapy "allergy shots" is a treatment option for someone who has allergies related to environmental factors and pollen. The immune system is designed to keep your body in peak performance and defend against external invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. For allergy suffers the immune system recognizes harmless particles like pollen, dust, mold spores, or animal dander as a threat and can overreact. This overresponse is what leads to the discomfort you feel. For most, allergies are developed early in life, during infancy or childhood, however, it is possible to develop them later in life or even after pregnancy. It is common to have more than one type of allergy. While you cannot stop most allergies from developing, the right management can reduce your chances of having a reaction or provide quick relief when having symptoms. What are immunotherapy "allergy shots?" Immunotherapy, or allergy shots as the common term, is an innovative approach to allergy management that focuses on increasing the tolerance of the substance that you are allergic to until you no longer experience symptoms. This is a long-term treatment solution because it allows your body to build up tolerance against the allergen. The more tolerance the body builds up the less severe the symptoms are it can even eliminate symptoms to a particular allergen. Immunotherapy works for environmental allergens by desensitizing the body to these allergens. You will receive small doses of the allergen and then gradually increase the dose on a weekly basis. This can be done with weekly injections of the allergen or by sublingual doses of the allergens. As the body gradually gets increasing doses it will then build up a tolerance. When receiving treatment for three years most have a lifetime of resolved symptoms. When considering immunotherapy, you and your provider will consider the severity of the symptoms, what symptoms are not alleviated by medication, medication interactions, duration of illness, and prevention of asthma. For someone with allergies, immunotherapy is a good option to get you feeling your best again. At Enhanced Healthcare of the Ozarks, the providers will take a thorough history of your allergy symptoms and treatment options. The providers will then assess your current allergies by IgE blood work and use this to determine the appropriate allergens to place in the immunotherapy to desensitize the body. There are both injections and sublingual therapies available. If you are ready to take your next step in managing your allergy symptoms reach out to Enhanced Healthcare of the Ozarks for a consultation. Our knowledgeable medical professionals are ready to help you get control of your symptoms and to revive your quality of life. Seasonal allergies & immunotherapy https://enhanced-healthcare.org suNdAY, mArch 27, 2022 | April - Allergies & AsthmA YOuAtYOurBest.NWAONliNe.cOm | YOu At YOur Best | 7

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