Allergy & Immunology on Madison, PC - Allergist, New York City (NYC)

Welcome

Allergy Photos in rotation Allergy and Immunology on Madison (AIM), based in New York City, has many years of experience building strong relationships between patients, doctors, and staff. We pride ourselves on using the newest, most advanced techniques in the fields of allergies, immunology and asthma. Our staff in our metro New York and New Jersey locations make every effort to ensure that your treatment and visits with us are positive. Our New York office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan.

You can reach us by phone, e-mail or fax with questions or appointment requests.

We post updates and reminders to our website regularly, so please check in frequently.

Attention

Please note: Take your required asthma and allergy medications and carry your Epi pen, and make sure you follow-up with your physician for all your medical needs. Please make sure you get your flu shot and swine flu shot and take all preventive measures to ensure a healthy fall/winter season.

WHAT'S NEW

We are expanding our practice to meet the needs of our patients. Allergy and Immunology on Madison has added other locations that will allow us to treat the growing number of patients who are seeking specialized care for their specific condition. Adding more locations allows us to accommodate our expanding patient base and also offer our patients greater convenience.

We know the stresses of everyday life and medical illnesses can take their toll on our patients. On staff we have Dr. Sophia Gekker, specializing in adult and pediatric psychiatry. Dr. Gekker is here for all our patients' needs.

Our medical practice manager, Ms. Anne Scalogna, is available. She brings to our practice many years of her expertise and experience.

Doctor with tissues

ALLERGY UPDATE

What's the latest allergy/asthma news...

*According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology States: skin prick testing still offer the highest positive/negative predictive value in comparison to lab testing...

There are so many clinical trials and news regarding alternative treatments and holistic approaches for Allergies & Asthma. Never start a program without the supervision and guidance of your doctor. To separate fact from fiction, please contact our office.

Freeze-dried stinging nettles and tonic made from goldenseal
Vitamin C
Abigenin
ALA
Butterspur
Bromelain
Bee pollen-avoid if allergic to bee stings!
Grape seed extract
Low-sodium diet
Quercetin
MSN
Omega 3
Selium
Spirulina
Natural nasal/saline washes
Maintaining proper weight
Hydrotherapy

"Allergy dog." Poodles, Labradors, and German shepherds are being trained to save the lives of those with serious "peanut allergies." Dubbed the "peanut dog," the poochies can sniff and detect a minute amount of peanuts or other allergens. Then they signal their owners to steer clear. Some patients say the dogs can even sniff the hand of a playmate to determine whether hand-washing is in order.

Recent studies show positive results with children with peanut allergies – stay tuned.

Did you ever think that there are other reasons for sneezing? If you are allergic to...

ragweed: watch out bananas, cantaloupes, honeydews, watermelons, cucumber, zucchini, chamomile tea, sunflower seeds;
birch pollens: avoid apples, cherries, kiwis, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, tomatoes, carrots, celery, peppers, parsnips, peas, potatoes, anise, caraway, cumin, dill, fennel, parsley, walnuts and sunflower seeds.
grass pollens: avoid kiwis, melons, oranges, tomatoes, celery.
lactose intolerant: You still need your calcium! Try other sources, like broccoli, salmon, yogurt.

Tips...

Avoid outdoor allergens: close windows, avoid going out on windy days or early in the am. In the winter try exercising indoors—yoga, etc., is great!! Check your water heater-wash sheets/bedding in at least 130 degrees to kill dust mites and cover mattresses and pillows with special allergen-proof covers. Install a dehumidifier in the basement.

Do not dry clothes outside-use your dryer.

When you return to your home from work or school, take a shower to wash off the day's accumulation of pollens, dust mites, etc.

Doing renovations-can exacerbate your allergies and asthma-take all precautions.

Is your house filled with allergy triggers that you cannot see??

Clean house: Most vacuums do not pick up tiny allergens. Get a vacuum with a HEPA filter. It makes all the difference.

Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth.

Duct season: Before turning on the heat for the season clean away those irritants & put a cheese cloth over your vents to catch allergens. Fix any plumbing leaks and seal any drafts around doors & windows. Use bleach products to kill molds. Clear out fireplaces, storage areas for wood burning logs, clear away fall leaves.

Mold allergy sufferers: Molds grow not only on old bread, but also cheeses, mushrooms, dried fruits, soy sauce, sour cream, and hot dogs. Avoid fermented foods and wine. Watch the humidity levels. Keep at 20-40% to control allergens and to breathe comfortably. Get rid of rugs and carpeting. Wood floors are the best and oh-so beautiful.

Insomnia: Get a good night sleep! Your body will thank you. Stuffy nose, post- nasal drip-these allergies can wreak havoc on you sleep. Stress also exacerbates allergies and asthma. Meditation is a great reliever.

Shower: Pollens stick to everything including you hair and clothes. Take a shower as soon as you arrive home. Warm facial compresses and nasal irrigation are great for relieving inflammation.

Sinus infections facial pain or nasal discharge: Definitely see your allergist as soon as possible.

Food Allergies (like peanuts): Avoid baked goods and buffets. The aroma of peanuts in airplanes can cause a reaction to someone who is sensitive to peanuts.

General Mills and Kellogg's Pop Tarts and cereal bars now have been reformulated with dried egg whites and will list all ingredients!
An allergen box has been added to the side panel.
Kraft announced that certain Jello brand sugar-free has undeclared pistachio nuts.
Thank you General Mills, Kraft, and Kellogg for caring!

Again, please read labels: cereal boxes and all food packages, skin products.

Apples for asthma - Keeps the doctor away.

Kiwis are loaded with Vitamin C.

Tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens could lower your risk for asthma, according to a new study by the National Institute of Public Health. These vegetables are high in vitamin A, which helps regulate the immune system and maintain the lining of your respiratory tract.

Pets: We love fido but keep him out of the bedrooms and off the furniture. Wash your pet often. Wash your children's toys daily.

Another thought: many people who suffer from asthma also have allergies. Effectively treating the allergies (even with allergy shots) improves the asthma.

Person Gardening Mold Allergies:
Whether working outdoors or in your garden, from planting flowers to raking leaves, to choosing logs for the fireplace, you need to be prepared! Clear all wet leaves and dirt from areas surrounding the foundation of the house, to prevent outdoor mold from building up near windows and doors that would eventually enter the home. Keep firewood outside the house. Wear protective clothing and keep your medications on hand. Mold flourishes indoors if humidity is high! Keep humidity below 50%. Keep your house dust to a minimum. Take precautions when mowing the lawn and when tending to your garden. Avoid outdoor exposure on rainy days.

Love the garden! Planting the right plants in and around your home:
Plant only female plants, like those that produce fruit and others like

Fruit trees: apple, cherry, pear, plum
Grasses: St. Augustine
Shrubs: azalea, boxwood, English yew, hibiscus, hydrangea, viburnum
Flowers: begonia, cactus, chenielle, clematic, coloumbine, crocus, daffodil, daisy, dusty miller, gerium, hosta, impatients, iris, lily, pansy, periwinkle, petunia, phlox, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, thrift, tulip, verbena, and zinna.

T'is the allergy season...

March–May: tree pollens
April–June: grasses
August–November: ragweed
Mold & dust mites: all year round

Food Allergies:
Eggs, milk, cheese Many people live for this season, especially for the bountiful buffets, and delectable desserts. However, this season can prove to be troublesome for people with food allergies.

The chance of an accidental ingestion of the foods that can cause an allergic reaction may increase during this season. It can take only a tiny amount of the offending food to trigger a potentially dangerous reaction.

Remember, the most common food allergies are:
milk, legumes, eggs, soy, wheat, various nuts, fish, etc.
Hint: Watch out for the baked goodies and picnics-there is no ingredient list! There could be hidden allergens that can cause severe reactions to those with mild or sensitive allergies!

Be prepared by having "self injectable epinephrine" when attending parties and PLEASE inform family and friends of your condition. If you have children, remember to pack their snacks so they don't feel left out. This will insure that your child has something safe to eat.

AVOID the following foods if you are allergic to their main ingredient (such as eggs, milk, wheat and nuts):

Baked goods/pastries
Meatballs
Cheese
Quiche
Glazed rolls/breads
Ice cream
Macaroni mixes
Salad dressings (that might contain fish—e.g., Caesars)
Mixed nuts
Vegetable and chip dips

Symptoms of food allergies can be:
Tingling in mouth, swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure and unconsciousness. Symptoms usually appear within minutes to a few hours.

Remember, the best treatment for a food allergy is strict avoidance of the allergy-causing foods.

Stay tuned for more tips...!

Asthma: Do The Changing of Seasons Trigger Your Asthma and Allergies?

Asthma affects up to 20 million Americans, and sufferers are sensitive to environmental triggers. Some triggers are obvious such as allergens (pollens, pet dander, etc.), irritants (strong perfume, pollutants, chemicals), tobacco smoke, and infectious agents (viruses that cause colds). However, some triggers aren't obvious. Changes in atmosphere (colder temperatures, changes in humidity), physical exertion, and even emotionally charged situations that precipitate anxiety, crying, and laughter can cause an asthma attack.

When most of us think of asthma, we imagine a person who is fine one minute, then short of breath and wheezing the next. In fact, many with asthma feel pretty good until something exacerbates their condition. But because the illness is chronic, they need constant treatment, even when they feel well.

If you suspect that you have asthma, the first step is to have your doctor run a few tests to see how well you can move air in and out of your lungs. Once your doctor confirms a diagnosis, the treatment options vary widely depending on the severity of your symptoms. Having said that, treatment for asthma also needs to be individualized. Not everyone responds the same way to various medications that are available to treat the disease.

Asthma medications fall into two broad categories: those used for long term control and those used to treat acute symptoms. Short-term bronchodilators, used to treat an acute attack, open the airways by relaxing the muscles that have constricted around them. There are some long-acting bronchodilators, but the most effective asthma treatment programs should incorporate anti-inflammatory medicines.

Regularly using anti-inflammatory medications (the second broad category of drugs to treat asthma) decreases the frequency and severity of the attacks. Examples of anti-inflammatory medicines include corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and mast cell stabilizers, which can be used to more effectively control underlying inflammatory problems.

Of course not all asthma medications are alike, nor are they meant to be. By working with your doctor, you can customize a treatment plan that will be the most effective for you, which in turn will help you breathe more easily.

Cool air/windy, rainy days can be less delightful for people with asthma and other breathing difficulties. Please wear your hats and scarves over your face or consider buying a warming mask. Also, you are under the usual stresses and emotions are running high. If you work or have outdoor activities that keep you outside for long periods of time, consult your physician for the best preventive course of treatment.

Symptoms of asthma are:

Coughing
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Wheezing

Immunodeficiency

Let's talk about immunodeficiency. How do you know if you are immuno deficient? Generally, everyone gets infections but people who are immuno deficient have more frequent infections and they can be severe with snore complications. In addition, the infections usually do not go away without being treated with antibiotics and most often reoccur after antibiotic treatment. These patients may need several courses of antibiotics during the course of the year. The infections can develop in certain areas of the body: bones, joints, liver, heart and brain. Remember that the frequency of infections is very important.

Your Allergist/Immunologist can determine if you are immunodeficient. Take for instance: a preschooler can get several ear infections, which can be normal for that age group. But for someone who is older it is abnormal.

If your child requires more than 4 courses of antibiotics per year or in adults more than twice a year
More than 4 ear infections per year
More than 3 bacterial sinusitis infections or chronic sinusitis
Antibiotics prevention treatment to reduce the number of infections
Any unusual infections that do not occur with people of your age group
Malaise and fatigue that never really go away

If you have experienced any of the above please contact Dr. Tolston's office or your family physician, who can refer you to an Allergist/Immunologist. Then you can have a complete evaluation. Your doctor can give you more information on recurrent infections, immunodeficiency and treatments like IVIG--intravenous immunoglobulins. Basically, it replaces the antibodies that your body cannot make. Remember that early treatment can prevent serious complications, reduce the number of infections and make your immune system stronger.

Travel Health Tips

Always remember to avoid exposure to smoke when traveling.
Call ahead for special meals or pack your own.
Drink plenty of fluids.
When eating out, watch out for sulfite additives.
Check the vents in your car before long trips.
Have medications/epi-pen on hand when exercising or traveling.
Know the location of the nearest medical center in case of emergency.
With new airline security regulations: having a medical note from your doctor when traveling allows you to carry medications, food, and water during your flight.

As always, Dr. Tolston and staff are here to answer all your questions and concerns. We only want the best care for all our patients.

Great news!

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new anti-IgE drug called XOLAIR. This is a GREAT NEWS for people with a serious form of allergic asthma and could revolutionize how all allergic diseases are treated! Another new drug on the market is ASMANEX. Consult Dr. Tolston now!

Did you know?

Asparagus reduces hay fever symptoms. Its folic acid lowers the level of immunoglobulin E,the antibodies that set off allergic responses. This can reduce respiratory symptoms like "wheezing" by 40%.
Snacking on grapes, which contain high levels of resvertrol(all natural anti-inflamatory), children had less wheezing and allergy symptoms.
Snack on almonds (if allowed in your diet), which are rich in magnesium and help the lung function better, as well as reduce the discomforts of asthma/allergies. It's known that low levels of magnesium raise your levels of histamine, which is the chemical your body produces when having an allergic reaction.
According to recent studies, exposure to antibiotics in the first year of a child's life may double the risk of developing asthma later in childhood.
According to a group of Harvard researchers focused on nearly 1200 women and their babies during and after pregnancy - "what they found?" - for every 100 units of vitamin D consumed during pregnancy, there was a dramatic decrease in the risk of wheezing incidents and the high risk of asthma in babies up to age 3 (fortified dairy products like skim milk, low-fat yogurt, low-fat ice cream, or from a supplement).
Vitamin D has also been shown to have immunologic effects.

To our parents and students who are interested in having Dr. Tolston be a guest speaker at their school, please contact our office.