top of page
AVANT
ALLERGY


Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Although not a straight forward food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is becoming a prominent diagnosis co-managed by allergists and gastroenterologists. Eosinophilic Esophagitis: What You Need to Know Have you ever felt like food was getting stuck in your throat? For millions of people, this frustrating — and sometimes frightening — this symptom can be caused by a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE. What Is EoE? EoE is a chronic inflammatory disease o

Sandra A. Ho, MD
2 days ago2 min read


Effective Treatments for Food Allergies: What Really Works
A food allergy can turn an ordinary snack into an emergency. For people with true immune-mediated food allergies, treatment is not about “curing” the allergy overnight. It is about preventing reactions, lowering risk, and knowing exactly what to do when exposure happens. Clear labels and simple routines make daily allergy care easier. Food Allergy Treatment: What You Need to Know Food allergies affect roughly 8% of children and 11% of adults in the United States, and reaction

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Aug 242 min read


Dust Mites Explained What They Are Where They Live and Why They Trigger Allergies
Household dust is in part made up of tiny mites called dust mites. They do not bite, spread disease, or crawl on people like fleas but is a common cause of indoor allergy symptoms. What dust mites are Dust mites are microscopic arachnids, which means they are related to spiders and ticks. They are far too small to see without magnification. Unlike bed bugs, they do not feed on blood. Their main food source is tiny flakes of shed skin from people and pets. They thrive in homes

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Aug 173 min read


4 Reasons Why ILIT is Shifting the Paradigm
4 Reasons Why ILIT is Shifting the Paradigm 1. Unmatched Speed and Convenience The most obvious victory for ILIT is your calendar. Traditional shots demand that you schedule your life around weekly doctor appointments, complete with a mandatory 30-minute waiting room stay after every single shot to watch for allergic reactions. ILIT consists of one injection, every four weeks, for a total of three visits. You are entirely finished with the protocol before a traditional allerg

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Aug 102 min read


The Ultimate Shortcut to Allergy Relief: Why ILIT Provides superior efficiency
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, pet dander, or dust mites, you know the drill. You want lasting relief, but the standard solution—Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT), otherwise known as traditional allergy shots—is a massive commitment. Traditional immunotherapy requires you to get poked weekly or bi-weekly for up to a year, followed by monthly maintenance injections for three to five years. That is roughly 100 clinic visits and hundreds of needle pokes. Fortunately, In

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Jul 272 min read


The Truth About Hypoallergenic Dogs
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from pet allergies, looking for a "hypoallergenic" dog breed like a Labradoodle, Bichon Frise, or Poodle feels like the ultimate loophole. Unfortunately, modern science has some heartbreaking news: there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. The Science: Why "Hypoallergenic" is a Myth The biggest misconception about pet allergies is that the trigger is dog hair. Because of this, people assume that non-shedding or

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Jul 202 min read


Spring Allergies and Climate Change
Is Climate Change Making Your Allergies Worse? If your seasonal allergies feel worse than they used to, you’re not imagining it. Climate change is affecting pollen seasons in ways that directly impact people with allergic rhinitis and asthma. What’s Changing? 1. Allergy season is starting earlier. Warmer spring temperatures cause trees to bloom sooner. Many patients now notice symptoms weeks earlier than they did in the past. 2. Allergy season is lasting longer. Fall is arriv

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Apr 41 min read


Proper Epinephrine Use: What Every Patient and Caregiver Should Know
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis . It works quickly, is very safe when used properly, and saves lives. Yet it remains underused in the community—often because of uncertainty about when or how to use it. Here ’s what I want my patients and families to clearly understand. 1. When Should Epinephrine Be Used? Epinephrine should be given at the first sign of suspected anaphylaxis —especially if there are: Breathing symptoms (shortness of breath, wheeze, re

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Mar 122 min read


Pros and Cons of Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT)
Flory S, Hviid- Vyff B, Šošić L, et al. How to hit the allergy target: A critical appraisal of intralymphatic immunotherapy with practical recommendations on ultrasound- guided injections. Allergy. 2024;00:1-13 Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (ILIT) is an emerging, fast-track alternative to traditional allergy shots. Instead of years of weekly injections, ILIT targets the immune system directly at its source: the lymph nodes. The Pros: Speed and Convenience Rapid Timeline : Whi

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Feb 211 min read


The Modern Allergy Roadmap
SCIT, SLIT, and the Rise of ILIT Goal: Introduce the three main types of immunotherapy and help patients understand their options. For decades, "allergy shots" meant a years-long commitment to the clinic. Today, the roadmap to relief has expanded. While Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) remains the gold standard for many, Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) offers needle-free daily tablets you can take at home. But the real game-changer in 2026 is Intralymphatic Immunotherapy

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Feb 102 min read


QUICK-LI Intralymphatic Immunotherapy
QUICK-LI Intralymphatic immunotherapy is the newest modality in immunotherapy. QUICK-LI treats the same environmental allergies that...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Aug 23, 20251 min read


Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a condition that occurs when the sinuses, which are the air-filled spaces in the skull, become inflamed and blocked...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Apr 24, 20232 min read


Delayed Drug Rash
Delayed drug eruption is a type of allergic reaction to a medication that occurs days or weeks after the medication is taken. It is a...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Apr 8, 20232 min read


Latex Allergy
Latex allergy is a type of allergic reaction that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies latex as a harmful substance...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Mar 23, 20232 min read


Shellfish Allergy
Shellfish allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies shellfish as a harmful...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Feb 25, 20232 min read


Adhesive Allergy
Adhesives are substances used to bind or stick two surfaces together, and they are commonly found in a variety of products, including...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Feb 15, 20231 min read


Sublingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a treatment option for people with allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, mold, and dust...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Feb 2, 20232 min read


Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies peanuts as a harmful substance...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Jan 14, 20232 min read


NSAID Allergy
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. While they...

Sandra A. Ho, MD
Dec 31, 20222 min read


Shellfish Allergy and Iodine Contrast Allergy
If you’ve ever had any radiographic imaging like an MRI or x-ray, chances are someone has asked you about any seafood or shellfish...
Adrienne Dang
Dec 23, 20222 min read
bottom of page