Dr. Larry Posner on Increasing Allergies, SLIT & Effective Allergy Products

Allergies are on the rise globally, affecting millions with conditions ranging from seasonal hay fever to life-threatening food allergies. We spoke with Dr. Larry Posner of North Bay Allergy & Asthma to get an expert allergist’s perspective on these increasing trends, the role of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and effective allergy products for relief.

Expert Insights on Rising Allergy Trends

Dr. Posner confirms a significant upward trend across all allergic diseases. “There are increasing trends in seasonal allergies, food allergies, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis,” he states. “This trend has been tracked over the past 25 years, although reasons for the increases are not entirely clear.” This highlights the growing need for effective management strategies and reliable information.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): A Closer Look

Sublingual immunotherapy is a topic of growing patient interest. Dr. Posner provides a balanced view based on current evidence and practice:

• Efficacy & Research: “U.S. trials have not repeated the efficacy shown in European trials.”
• Patient Access & Cost: “Patients are asking for it, but insurance will not cover it so there is a cost issue.”
• Safety & Dosing: “There are case reports now of anaphylaxis with SLIT, although there are no deaths. Precise dosing has yet to be determined.”

This underscores the importance of consulting with a specialist to determine if SLIT is a suitable and safe option for your specific case.

Dr. Posner’s Approach to Allergy Relief Products

When it comes to over-the-counter solutions, Dr. Posner advocates for a targeted, evidence-based approach. “The published data on allergy relief products is clearly mixed,” he notes. “It seems that often single interventions are not effective and a more comprehensive approach is necessary.”

His guiding principle is logical: “decrease exposures to allergens people test positive for.” Therefore, he recommends allergy products that are specific to an individual’s diagnosed sensitivities, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all solution.

Top Recommended Allergy Products by Dr. Posner

Based on his clinical experience, Dr. Posner highlights specific products for common allergens:

• For Dust Mite Allergy: Mattress covers, pillow encasings, and duvet covers. He also recommends removing stuffed animals from bedrooms and washing bedding in hot water or with a tannic acid solution in cold water.
• For Animal Dander, Mold & Pollen: “HEPA air cleaners seem to make the most sense” for filtering these airborne allergens from your indoor environment.

Why Treating Allergies Matters

Dr. Posner leaves us with a crucial reminder about the impact of untreated allergies. “Chronic rhinitis can have very insidious effects on people’s quality of life, affecting sleep patterns, focus and concentration, and learning ability in school-age children,” he explains.

The good news? “With the pharmacotherapy and interventions available today—with little cost and without significant side effects—there is no need for patients to go untreated.” Seeking professional advice and using scientifically-grounded allergy products as part of a management plan can significantly improve daily life.