Lecture Notes: Allergy Testing and Management

Introduction

• Sponsored by Bokksu, a subscription service for Japanese snacks and tea.
• Mention of personal experience with sesame allergy, precluding enjoying these snacks.

Bokksu Overview

• Monthly subscription service delivering premium Japanese snacks and tea.
• Each box has a new theme, such as the current one: Sakura Season.
  • Limited edition cherry blossom themed snacks.
  • Celebratory practice: Hanami (flower viewing) in Japan where people picnic under cherry blossoms.
• Personal anecdote: Experience with cherry blossoms in Japan.
• Encouragement to try the snacks using a discount code, GB, for $15 off.

Allergy Testing Overview

• Introduction of Dr. GB; meeting a patient for allergy testing.
• Patient reports dry, itchy eyes, redness, and possible symptoms related to weather changes.

Patient Symptoms

• Dry, itchy eyes, redness, no discharge.
• Symptoms noticed when weather warmed up.
• No recent travel; no coughing, scratchy throat, rashes, or upset stomach reported.

Allergy Test Procedure

• Plan to conduct a skin test to identify allergens.
• Discussion of food allergies: History of food allergies and current dietary habits.
• Skin examination before testing to prevent false positives.
• Cleansing skin with an alcohol pad before testing.

Allergen Testing

• Testing for top 10 allergens, including pollen and food-related allergens.
• Explanation of skin test procedure: measuring reactions to allergens.
• Positive control (expected to show reaction) and negative control (should show no reaction).

Initial Results

• Positive reaction observed for pollen; no severe food allergies detected.
• Discussion of treatment options for confirmed pollen allergy.
• Options for allergy shots discussed.

Treatment Options

1. Epinephrine Auto-injectors:
   • Explanation and demonstration of how to use EpiPen and Auvi-Q.
   • Importance of having an epinephrine pen for emergencies; recommendation to avoid leaving it in a car.
   • Discussion of the lack of side effects and necessity in anaphylactic situations.
2. Antihistamines:
   • Recommendation for daily use of Allegra for managing allergy symptoms.
   • Discussion of lubricating eye drops for dry eyes.

Patient Guidance

• Importance of understanding allergy management and treatment effectiveness.
• Encouragement for further education on allergies and treatment options available.

Conclusion

• Closing remarks on the consultation and encouragement for the patient to reach out with questions.
• Reminder of the importance of allergen awareness and management.