paveleck@ihlpl.UUCP (Bob Paveleck) (05/14/85)
I had the whole list of conventional allergy treatments (scratch tests, intradermal tests, antihistamines, etc.) for about 3 years when I was 13 years old and, although I have received some relief from my symptoms (I have allergic rhinitis due to inescapable allergens like weeds, trees and grasses), I am not completely cured. To this day, I still react to those cottonwood tree seeds and whenever I cut the lawn. I don't know about any advances in diagnosis and treatment of allergies (as it's been about 10 years since I've been to the allergist), but I did learn one important thing from my ear-nose-throat doctor: my reactions were NOT largely due to allergies. When I went through the scratch and intradermal tests, I never reacted more than slightly to anything (i. e., there was only a minor swelling associated with the above-mentioned areas). Because of this, my allergies were really only minor and thus, desensitization only helped a little. The other possible causes for my type of symptoms (according to my doctor) are structural problems (things like polyps, adenoids or a deviated septum) and an imbalance in the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system (which my doctor says he can't really do anything about). You might want to consider the other possible causes for your sons' allergies (if these apply) so that you can rule out avenues of treatment. The allergy tests/desensitization MAY work well if your sons are badly allergic to something; otherwise, you'll be spending a lot of time and money for only a small benefit. Bob Paveleck ihlpl!paveleck