Allergist Northern VA

Black & Kletz Allergy has more than one allergist northern VA resident’s trust.  The allergist northern Virginia inhabitants have confidence in at Black and Kletz Allergy is board certified in allergy and clinical immunology with decades of experience in diagnosing and treating allergic and immunological disorders in both adults and children.  Some of the conditions treated and managed by our allergist northern VA has come to trust include seasonal and year-round (i.e., perennial) respiratory allergies caused by environmental and aeroallergens (i.e. hay fever or allergic rhinitis, asthma, nasal polyps), allergic conjunctivitis, food allergies, medication allergies, skin allergies (i.e., eczema, hives, pruritus, angioedema, contact dermatitis), insect sting allergies, anaphylaxis, chemical sensitivities, eosinophilic esophagitis, and immune disorders.

Aeroallergen or environmental allergen sensitivity leads to a condition commonly known as hay fever, which is technically referred to as allergic rhinitis which can be seasonal or year-round.  An allergist northern Virginia patients’ rely on will identify the specific allergens each patient is sensitized to by performing applicable allergy tests.  These tests are usually done by skin testing or blood testing.  These tests are necessary for the clinician to recommend relevant environmental control measures which could minimize exposure to the triggering agents and thus lessen the suffering of affected individuals.  Some of the common allergens that play a role in causing hay fever symptoms may include dust mites, mold spores, pollens (i.e., trees, grasses, weeds), animal dander, and cockroaches.

Black & Kletz Allergy practice’s allergist northern VA have come to know and respect is trained in performing and interpreting skin test and blood test results in order to accurately identify the triggers in an individual patient.  Our allergists can then diagnose the allergic condition based on a comprehensive history and physical examination in combination with the test results.  Our allergist northern Virginia residents admire is also experienced in providing education to patients in the best ways in order to manage the condition.  The management options considered and offered to the patient by the allergist northern VA inhabitant’s respect include medications and allergy desensitization.  Medications are utilized in order to help relieve the annoying allergy symptoms as well as make the patient comfortable.  Examples of medications may include antihistamines to relieve itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes; nasal sprays to control nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip; and decongestants to alleviate nasal congestion.

It should be noted that medications only mask the symptoms and do not treat the underlying cause of allergic disorders.  Our allergist northern VA resident’s admire has special expertise in treatment modalities called allergy immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots, allergy injections, allergy desensitization, allergy hyposensitization) which alter the underlying mechanism of allergy and cause a buildup of tolerance to the allergens so that symptoms can be prevented instead of being masked.  These desensitization therapies have been in use for several decades.  They are FDA approved and covered by most insurances.  During the process of desensitization, the allergist northern Virginia identifies as very competent will identify the relevant allergens and make mixes of the antigens that will be used for immunotherapy.  Our allergist will supervise a protocol where these mixes are administered by injections under the skin at regular intervals with gradually increasing concentrations and volumes.  This systematic exposure to the allergens helps the immune system to develop tolerance and not to adversely react to them after natural exposure.  This process is akin to vaccinations against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria which effectively prevents serious diseases when naturally exposed to these microbes.

The process of desensitization can have 2 main side effects.  The more common side effects are local reactions at the site of injection in the form of a small to moderate size swelling, redness, and/or itching.  These reactions can begin within a few hours and may last a few days.  They can generally be managed with local application of ice and taking anti-inflammatory medications such ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort.  Topical corticosteroids are sometimes utilized as well.

Very rarely, there can be a generalized or systemic reaction after the allergy injection which can be more dangerous.  The allergist northern Virginia inhabitant’s respect monitors patients after the injection very closely in order to detect such a reaction.  The allergist northern VA resident’s trust is trained and experienced in detecting these adverse reactions very early and to treat them expeditiously.  Black & Kletz Allergy’s allergist northern VA has come to trust has special training and expertise in treating these adverse reactions and to arrest their progress, if such a reaction occurs.  It should be noted that allergy shots have been used in the U.S. for over 100 years.  They are used to treat patients of all ages, from early childhood through late adulthood.  Allergy immunotherapy is effective in 80-85% of individuals who take them, making them a wonderful alternative to taking medications.

The board certified allergists at Black & Kletz Allergy have 3 offices in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area and treat both adults and children.  We have offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA.  Black & Kletz Allergy offers on-site parking at each of their office locations.  In addition, the Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible.  There is also a free shuttle that runs between our McLean, VA office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line for extra convenience.  To make an appointment, please call one of our offices or alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours on the next business day.  Black & Kletz Allergy has been providing the allergy and asthma needs of the Washington, DC metro area community for more than 50 years and we strive to offer the highest quality allergy and asthma care in a professional and compassionate environment.