Expectations:

Mark E. Reiber, M.D., F. A.C.S., F.A.A.O.A.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could just take a pill or a shot and never be sick again? If you are faithful with allergy shots or drops, shouldn’t you be rewarded by not having sinus infections? Why put in all that time, money and effort if you are still going to get sick? It just isn’t fair!

Well, those expectations are unrealistic, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't notice considerable improvement. Upper respiratory problems like sinus infections are caused by several factors. Allergy treatment doesn’t prevent all causes like colds, and so you will still get sick. The average person will get 2 respiratory tract infections per year. If you are around children or deal with the public, you might even experience more.

So what can you expect if you try the program?  The goal is to improve and decrease allergy related problems. Results will not occur immediately and I recommend judging success at about one year. Look back on the last 6 months and determine if your symptoms improved and your quality of life is better. If you honestly can’t see improvement, then it probably isn’t worth continuing. We find however the majority of patients benefit greatly from following a course of environmental control, carefully chosen medications and immunotherapy.