News & Resources

Allergy Season in Kansas

All Year Dust Mites, Cockroach, Animals (Cat, Dog, Cow, Mouse)

Food Allergens

All Year Mold spores in grass, crop, dirt, hay, leaves (esp. April - Hard Frost)

Temp. > 40F, Harvest, Mowing, Raking, Wind

March - June Tree Pollen

November - April Cedar Pollen

April - 2nd Frost Grass Pollen (Peak in June)

Weed Pollen (Peak in September)

Allergies are your body’s response to substances that your immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful.

Myths vs Facts

Adults can NOT develop allergies = False. As we age our immune system weakens. Most adults have had a prior allergic episode in their childhood that they may not remember. This can lay dormant throughout childhood and teenage years but resurface later in life.

Eating locally produced honey builds up immunity = False. Honey is made from pollens of flowers. Most people’s allergies are from pollen from trees, grass and weeds and they are NOT found in home

Using decongestant nasal spray frequently is bad for you = True. They are NOT for long term treatment. Chemicals in decongestant nasal spray shrink blood vessels responsible for causing congestion. Using them too much makes these blood vessels dependent on nasal sprays and you have to use more & more to get same results. Instead use nasal corticosteroids as they carry less risk.

Iodine is cause of allergic reactions to radiocontrast material or to seafood = False. Radiocontrast material enhances visibility of tissues and organs in medical imaging procedures. Tropomyosin (a fish equivalent to human muscle protein) is the antigen responsible for allergic reactions to seafood.

Call Dr Neelu Kalra