by Katie McCormack, MD
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Physician
Boulder Medical Center – Louisville, CO
If your seasonal allergies or asthma seem to be getting worse, you’re not alone—and there’s a reason why. Climate change is playing a growing role in seasonal symptoms. Rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels are causing plants to release more pollen earlier and for more extended periods. Extreme weather events can also stir up allergens, making them harder to avoid.
What are Allergies?
Environmental allergies occur when your immune system recognizes and overreacts to something in the environment. Seasonal allergies are triggered by airborne outdoor allergens in the environment, such as pollens and molds. Year-round allergies may be triggered by pets, mold, or dust mites, depending on the climate in which you live. Typical symptoms that we can see from environmental allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Itchy or Watery eyes
- Coughing and Wheezing
- Skin Rashes
- Fatigue
These symptoms, though common, can interfere with daily life, productivity, and overall well-being. In some cases, they can lead to more severe respiratory conditions like asthma exacerbations.
Diagnosis of Environmental Allergies
The most common initial testing is called a skin prick test or skin scratch test to confirm the diagnosis of environmental allergies and identify triggers. With skin testing, a small amount of the allergens are introduced into your skin via a surface scratch and then observed for the development of a localized skin reaction. Skin testing is the easiest, most sensitive, and generally least expensive way of identifying allergens. This testing can often be performed during the initial consultation in the allergist’s office.
Treatment Options
When considering treatment for environmental allergies, several environmental mitigation strategies, medications, and immunotherapy options can be pursued based on an individual’s allergies and overall treatment goals. Your allergist can help you decide which treatment option is best for you.
Allergen Immunotherapy: A Long-Term Solution?
While medications and avoidance strategies offer temporary relief from allergy symptoms, they do not address the root cause of the allergic response. For individuals looking for a long-term solution, allergen immunotherapy presents an effective treatment option. The idea behind allergen immunotherapy is to “retrain” the immune system to tolerate these allergens better and reduce the need for other medications. This treatment option can provide longer-lasting benefits that may be permanent for some individuals, even after completing the treatment course.
There are several options for allergen immunotherapy that your allergist can help you understand and prescribe for treatment if you are a candidate.
About Katie McCormack, MD
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Specialist in Louisville, CO
Dr. Katie McCormack treats infant, youth, and adult patients for everything from seasonal and food allergies to asthma and eczema. She strives to educate, inform, and empower her patients to become participants in their wellness and care.
Dr. McCormack welcomes new patients in her Louisville, CO clinic. She regularly sees patients throughout Boulder County and nearby communities, including Broomfield, Westminster, Arvada, and Golden.
Resources
- Dr. McCormack’s Full Profile
- The Effect of Climate Change on Allergen and Irritant Exposure
- Please call for an appointment: (303) 440-3083