Live allergy free
What are allergies?
An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a typically harmless substance as an intruder. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system responds to the allergen by releasing histamine and chemical mediators that typically cause symptoms in the nose, throat, eyes, ears, skin and roof of the mouth. This brief video explains how allergic reactions occur.
Especially in East Tennessee, we are exposed to a variety of seasonal and environmental substances that can cause allergic reactions. Pet dander, pollen, trees, grass, food, and insect stings are just a few of the potential sources that can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, itching, watery red eyes, headaches, runny nose, hives, swelling, and wheezing.
How do we provide relief from allergies at the Keeton Clinic?
Our goal is to provide you with relief from your allergies. It is possible to live allergy free!
Once an allergy test has been conducted, a course of treatment will be determined. The treatment plan may require injections. Allergy injections are also referred to as hyposensitization or immunotherapy. Injections are usually given once a week with gradually increasing concentrations until a final dosage, called the Maintenance Dose, is reached. Once a Maintenance Dose is reached, injections are progressively spaced until they are given on a monthly basis, with a goal of being discontinued after three to five years. Every patient’s treatment is individualized and there is much variability among individuals.
About allergy injections…
Your allergy injections contain material that you are known to be allergic to. Therefore, there is a chance of developing an allergic reaction to the injection. The reaction can be severe and life-threatening. Dr. Keeton is very conservative in his approach and while he does not anticipate a severe reaction, it is always a possibility. For this reason, allergy injections are always given at a physician’s office where a medical provider and emergency equipment are readily available. Since most severe allergic reactions occur within a few minutes after the injection, it will be important for you to wait in the doctor’s office for at least 20 minutes after your allergy injection.
Relief from Asthma
Our goal is to help you enjoy an active lifestyle without worrying about your breathing
Asthma can prevent you from enjoying an active lifestyle. Hiking, fishing, exercising, participating in your favorite hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can seem out of reach when you suffer from asthma. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Our goal is to help you enjoy an active lifestyle without worrying about how it could impact your breathing.
Asthma is a chronic disease marked by wheezing, chest tightness, cough, and/or shortness of breath.
Asthma symptoms are caused by the constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways, increased production of mucus by glands in the airways, and the inflammatory swelling of the airways. If left untreated, these abnormalities can become permanent as a result of airway scarring.
For best treatment, it is important to recognize, address, and avoid asthma “triggers.” Asthma triggers may include:
Allergens such as pet dander, insects, mold or pollen
Irritants in the air that you breathe such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke, room deodorizers, fresh paint, perfume
Exercise or extreme physical activity
Emotional upset
Respiratory infections
Gastric reflux or heartburn
At The Keeton Clinic we provide diagnostic services including allergen skin testing, upper airway endoscopy, methacholine challenge, pulmonary function testing, spirometry, and specialty laboratories to evaluate and manage asthma and similar disorders.
