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"Allergy is often called 'the great impostor,' "
says Dr. Pierre P. Gagnon, whose ear, nose and throat specialty
includes the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. He is located
in the Belle Haven Professional Building.
My friend is one of 40 million Americans suffering from allergy,
a disease where the body's natural defense mechanism overreacts
to airborne particles or a food substance (allergens), stimulating
the body to form sensitizing antibodies that cause various allergic
reactions.
Besides the discomfort noticed when a person is reacting to
pollen, mold spores, animal dander, house dust and certain foods,
allergic persons have a decreased resistance to colds, flu, sinus
and ear infections, or, more seriously, may develop asthma.
"Many people are surprised that a food that they eat
can cause their nose to become stuffy or their lungs to congest,"
adds Dr. Gagnon. "But the symptoms from food allergy can
imitate any illness. Everything from migraine headache to itching
and scaling feet have been traced to food allergy.
Dr. Gagnon uses the most advanced
allergy skin test method, known as the End Point Titration.
"Allergic responses are entirely a matter of individual
sensitivity, brought on by repeated exposure to a particular
allergen," says Dr. Gagnon. Testing for allergies is therefore
a very individual matter. Patients are then given a physical
exam that pays particular attention to the condition of nasal
passages and throat, and includes sinus x- rays to rule out any
infection that would interfere with accurate testing.
Dr. Gagnon uses the most advanced allergy skin test method,
known as the End Point Titration. This newer test can detect
allergies missed by conventional skin testing. The result of
this testing is accurate and appropriate to each patient's treatment.
There is absolutely no guesswork involved - your results are
available immediately. Treatment can begin right away to speed
your recovery.
Dr. Gagnon, a graduate of Quebec Medical School at Laval University,
has completed a three-year Otolaryngology surgical residency
at New York Hospital. He has also completed studies at the American
Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (which provides the technical
descriptions used in this article).
"Certain symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, hives
and depression are often caused by hidden food allergies and
can be difficult to pinpoint. Intesting we can counsel you to
help control and eventually tolerate the offending foods."
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Dr. Gagnon is a graduate of Quebec
Medical School at Laval University.
"The most specific management of allergy consists of
treatment with injections that build up protection against the
allergen, thereby reducing the severity of your symptoms,"
says Dr. Gagnon, who is assisted in his practice by Kathryn Hetu,
Dr. Gagnon's allergy technician, who completes the medical team.
"When your nose does not work well, you often don't either,"
says Dr. Gagnon, who notes that although many internal nasal
problems can be helped with medical advice and medications, a
nose that is blocked with a crooked or deviated septum often
requires surgery to restore normal function.
"Counseling is very important to my practice," says
Dr. Gagnon. "Proper handling of allergies can change a person's
life, as can sinus or nasal surgery."
According to my friend who was recently tested and began treatment
with Dr. Gagnon, "You cannot imagine how much better I feel
each day. All my symptoms are clearing up, including problems
I have had from childhood. What a difference an accurate diagnosis
and proper treatment can make - for a problem (allergies) that
I never suspected."
New chemical testing is now available:
Pesticides, Cosmetics, etc.
Hormonal Testing for PMS
CHEMICALS
Formaldehyde
Ethanol
Tobacco Smoke
Chlorine
Glycerine
Phenol
HORMONES
Estrogen
Progesterone
Luteinizing Hormone
Testosterone
Dr. Gagnon is located in the
Bell Haven Professional Building
1451 Bell Haven Rd., Suite 440
Alexandria, Virginia 22307
Mon.-Thur. 9 AM-noon and 3 PM-5 PM, Friday 9 AM.-noon.
Phone 765-4510.
Procedures are usually covered by medical insurance,
which Dr. Gagnon's office will file for you. Dr. Gagnon is a
member of most PPO's and HMO's. Major credit cards are accepted.
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