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Avoid Painful Allergy Shots for Children

Posted on: Tuesday, 18 July 2006, 18:00 CDT

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to your children, parents will do just about anything to take the pain away. Vireo Allergy Centers in Pennsylvania helped Suzanne Fortier take the pain away for her five-year-old daughter Madison.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/VIREOLOGO )

Madison, who has a twin sister, had a difficult time digesting breast milk while nursing and constantly had a runny nose. Because her twin sister was not having these symptoms, her parents sought medical attention to see what was causing her to feel so bad.

The Fortiers took Madison to see Dr. Robert Anolik at the Vireo Allergy Centers in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. After receiving an allergy test, it was determined that Madison was allergic to trees, pollen, cats, dogs, and dust mites -- just to name a few.

Madison began sublingual immunotherapy at Vireo Allergy Centers in December, 2005. Sublingual is the medical term for "under the tongue." Immunotherapy is a type of preventative treatment for an allergic response to allergens such as pollens, dust mites, molds, and animal dander. Immunotherapy treats the underlying cause of the allergic reaction while decongestants and antihistamines only treat the symptoms. Immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing doses of the allergen to the allergic patient. The gradual introduction of the allergens induces a natural immunity or tolerance. Sublingual immunotherapy is an injection free procedure.

Mrs. Fortier had expected to see results in approximately a year and a half but saw them almost immediately. "The results are unbelievable!" said Fortier. "Spring has always been a difficult time for Madison because she enjoys being outside. Her allergies prevented her from being very active." Mrs. Fortier continues, "This year she has had no restrictions. And, Dr. Bob is amazing." The Fortier's affectionately refer to Dr. Anolik as Dr. Bob because of the gentle way he works with children.

As an allergy sufferer herself, Suzanne Fortier researched sublingual immunotherapy prior to Madison starting the treatment. "I remember getting allergy shots at age 12," she said. "The thought of putting Madison through that process was tough." Mrs. Fortier and her husband researched the European market for history on the treatment and were pleased with the results of extensive clinical studies.

They also looked at the financial benefits. Allergy shots require a minimum of 20 office visits per year. No office visits for injections with a co-pay and no travel time using costly fuel made the decision an easy one.

Taking the product has become a part of their routine. The girls eat breakfast and Madison takes the drops at 8:15 AM. In a few minutes, Madison's allergy treatment is done for the day. No painful injections, no tears.

"Madison has no problem taking the product and has had quick results," said Mrs. Fortier. "It's the best stuff in the world."

For more information on Vireo Allergy Centers and sublingual immunotherapy, please go to http://www.vireo-online.com/.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Dr. Robert Anolik http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10024553

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/VIREOLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Vireo Allergy Centers

CONTACT: Sarah Williamson, +1-434-846-2333, for Vireo Allergy Centers

Web site: http://www.vireo-online.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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