The doctor is in
Freeze it before you Sneeze!
By Dr. Tariq M. Vora

With the onset of Spring and the Summer being just around the corner, we all wish to go out and enjoy the fresh breeze and looks of the dark green trees of East Texas. However, some of us come back home sniffing, itching and sneezing. Welcome back, Hay Fever!!! Although, pollen is usually the most common cause of hay fever or allergies, it can also be caused by other substances such as animal dander or dust present in the environment. It is a chronic condition that usually comes back every year, perhaps for a lifetime. Therefore, it is important to learn how to control Hay Fever.

While it is important to avoid feather pillows, farms, and tobacco smoke to minimize the symptoms of Hay Fever, you can also try over the counter (OTC) antihistamines for its treatment. The main side effect of some antihistamines is drowsiness. It is advised to consult a physician if your condition does not improve significantly with such measures. Your doctor can prescribe medicines such as certain antihistamines and nasal sprays that are only available by prescription.

OTC decongestant nasal sprays usually do not help Hay Fever because they are washed out by nasal secretions, and should never be used for over 5 days because of nasal irritation and their potential to cause rebound symptoms. Moreover, advanced allergy testing is necessary in some cases to determine the exact cause of allergies.

My name is Tariq M. Vora and I have been practicing Family Medicine for over 5 years now. When I decided to relocate to East Texas, environmental allergies was not at the top of my concerns. Having suffered from the seasonal and environmental allergies in Topeka, KS for the past 3 years, I am used to the itchy eyes and watery nose myself. I am glad to be working for the Trinity Mother Frances Health Systems in Chandler now, but have yet to find out if I will need my allergy medicine again.

I enjoy Family Practice as it gives me the opportunity to care for people of all ages and treat a broad spectrum of diseases in a holistic manner. I am excited to serve people of this community. My goal is to fulfill the needs of those who need a physician for acute and chronic medical problems while establishing my practice in Chandler on a long term basis.

In partnership with Dr. Thomas Cherry, we are now open extended hours, 8-6pm, M-F. We both are willing to answer any questions related to medicine, that one might have individually or collectively as a group. After the publication of my ad in the local newspaper recently, our clinic is planning to hold an open house meeting and offer various screening tests in the near future. It should be an excellent opportunity to meet the people of Chandler, and other neighboring cities such as Brownsboro at large. We would like to welcome everyone to our clinic.