Conquering Environmental Allergies and Asthma

Five years ago, Jody heard about Allergy Associates of La Crosse and decided maybe this was something she should try. After she experienced systemic reactions from allergy shots, she thought struggling through environmental allergies, severe asthma, and skin reactions was her only option – until she came across the clinic.

Symptoms before treatment

“Asthma was my biggest concern when I went to the clinic,” Jody says, “At any time of the year, my asthma could flare up for days.” She was having asthma attacks frequently and was using albuterol multiple times a day. Respiratory and sinus infections were the norm.

Jody also experienced atopic dermatitis on her face. “I would have rashes and inflammation pop up on my face that were so crazy I would have to miss work because I was in so much pain or couldn’t see,” she explains.

This was on top of seasonal allergies that she learned to “just live with.” A variety of symptom relievers and avoidance would lessen symptoms, but she still felt their sting year after year.

Diagnosis at AAOL

When it came time to for an appointment at AAOL, she was excited to have a second look at her allergies. During her exam and going through her history, she felt that she was listened to, and found that maybe these concerns she was dealing with could be related to her underlying allergy. Skin testing determined her environmental allergies and lung capacity testing showed her severe asthma.

“I saw a different allergist and two dermatologists and no one could diagnose my skin reactions,” Jody said, “I showed my AAOL provider one picture and she knew right away that it was atopic dermatitis.”

After her provider put the puzzle pieces together, Jody walked away from her first appointment with her allergy drops and a little bit of hope. Her provider later recommended a biologic to help her asthma, and she learned how to manage that from home as well.

“I drove four hours a few times a year to La Crosse, and it was all worth it,” Jody says confidently.

Life post-treatment

After five years of treatment, Jody’s allergy testing showed that she no longer needs allergy drops – her body has learned to tolerate the allergens that made her sick. Her seasonal allergies no longer bother her, and those random skin outbreaks are a thing of the past.

Her favorite outcome of treatment? Jody says, “I told my provider that my goal was to dance at my daughter’s wedding without being totally winded, and I danced all night at both of my daughters’ weddings.” The asthma symptoms that stopped her from doing so much have been managed by treating the cause of her allergies and continuing the biologic.

“I was in my fifties by the time I started allergy drops. I struggled through allergies and asthma and missed out on a lot of life because of it. I recommend for anyone, young and old, to get tested and start treatment with AAOL,” she says.

It’s never too late to start treatment. If you’re ready to tackle your allergy-related conditions, schedule a consult at AAOL.