House Fredrick C MD PC

Information may not be reliable

WINTER MONTH ALLERGIES
After the Winter solstice, pollen becomes less of a problem except for a few evergreens and cedars. Now the biggest problems for allergy sufferers are viral upper respiratory infections which lead to sinus and bronchial infections, indoor mold spores, animal danders, and dust mite allergens. Dust mite allergy is a particular problem in the Southern states where a lot of home construction is concrete slab with carpeting over concrete. This encourages the growth of molds. Another winter problem is exceedingly dry air from gas heat. The nose functions both as an air filter and a humidifier for air entering the lungs. In order to do this, the nose congests to humidify dry air and likewise to warm cold air. This leads to nasal blockage. Often nasal congestion is better treated with liberal fluid intake and a humidifier and saline nasal spray than OTC and prescription nasal sprays and decongestants. Sometimes patients who experience chronic nasal dryness, crusting and thick nasal mucus are greatly improved with the use of NASAL RINSE, such as NEILMED SALINE WASH. THis is simply a sodium chloride packet dissolved in a small bottle of distilled water. Rinsing the nasal cavity two or three times daily will help relieve congestion and remove the thick greenish nasal discharge often associated with chronic nasal allegies and sinusitis. If fever or pain exists, consult your physician.
It is vitally important to maintain good air quality indoors. Using an "accordion pleated" type furnace air filter is worth the difference in cost. I suggest the "Filtrete" brand made by 3M, available at Lowe's, Home Depot and other hardware/home stores. Also for those with carpet over concrete slab construction, I strongly recommend using 3% Tannic Acid (Allersearch) spray on Carpets and Dark colored upholstery (may discolor light fabrics). This natural non toxic product "coagulates" allergy protein from Dust Mites, Molds, and Pet Dander and greatly reduces the "Allergy Effect". Allersearch is available from National Allergy Supply in Atlanta and from other Allergy Distributors. Call the office for a brochure. Have a healthy winter season -FCH
In late August, Hymenoptera (stinging insects, wasps, honeybee, yellowjackets) become more active and encroach on human habitation. There are more stings between August and November than any other time. Patients with insect allergy problems should be espcecially careful at these times. If you suspect you might be allergic you should contact your physician for an Epi-Pen emergency kit for insect sting reactions. If you have had a serious reaction to an insect sting, call my office or your personal allergist for appropriate evaluation and treatment!
Fredrick C. House, M.D., P.C. is a full service Asthma and Allergy Center.

2 blocks west of the Bobby Jones Expressway at the corner of Augusta West Parkway and Wheeler Road, just across from the entrance to Doctor's Hospital and the Wachovia Bank
Dr. Fredrick C. House is a graduate of the University of Georgia, The Medical College of Georgia, a member of AOA honor medical society, and a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Asthma, Allergy and Imunology. I received my Allergy and Immunology fellowship training from Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C.
I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology.

I evaluate patients suffering from many types of allergy and immunology problems, inluding Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, Hay Fever, Chronic Sinusitis, Chronic Cough, Hives, Chronic Skin Allergy (Eczema) Allergic Reactions to Insects, Drug Allergies, Patients with unusually frequent infections or poor resistance to infections, and patients who have undiagnosed medical problems who are referred by their primary care physicians, such as Chronic Fatigue, Vague Abdominial Discomfort, Suspected Food Allergy, Multiple Drug and Environmental Allergies Chronic Headaches, and suspected diseases of the Immune System, such as Lupus or other autoimmune diseases.

I have also served as an Allergy Consultant for Local, State, and Federal Government agencies. (pictured Stachybotrys mold and Aspergillus mold),common in "sick buildings."

I maintain an outpatient clinic practice because my presence in the office is necessary while allergy tests and injections are being administered. Like all fellowship trained allergists, I am not a surgeon and do not remove tonsills or perform Ear Nose and Throat Surgery. Every patient is seen by me before, during, and after allergy skin testing. I employ office nurses who assist me but patients are not left without a physician in the office during testing and treatment. This is the only acceptable standard of care for patients receiving allergy workups and allergy injections. Anything less is not up to the professional standards of board certified allergist care. All allergy extracts are prepared in my office under my direct supervision. To reduce any risk of reactions to allergy injections, patients are required to wait in the office for 30 minutes following an allergy shot.
Hospital consultation is available if requested by a patient's attending physician. I do not admit patients to the hospital primarily. Instead I am a consultant on the staff of University Hospital, and Doctors Hospital of Augusta. All patients of my practice are expected to have or secure the services of their own primary care provider for hospital and emergency room services. I am also an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (Allergy) at the Medical College of Georgia for many years.
A mini-consultation is available to interested individuals requesting information about services available at my office by calling 706-863-0410. There is no charge or obligation for this service.
I participates in most managed care plans as well as Georgia Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Choice, Aetna, University Healthlink, United HealthCare, Lifeplans,and Healthnet. Benefits and co-payments may vary.Insurance is filed at no charge for initial visits.Dr House is a participating provider for Medicare . Check with your managed care plan administrator. Many plans require a written referral from the patient's primary care physician.
Patients are advised that they should have a primary care physician for all hospital work, treatment of nonallergic medical problems, and periodic checkups. All patients under age 13 must have their own pediatrician.
Pediatric Patients under 10 years of age should be seen by an Allergist who prefers to see younger patients. Patients under 6 are seen only by special request from the patient's Pediatrician.
My practice is a consultative practice in Allergy and Immunology and is not a primary care practice. Allergist services supplement but do not replace the primary care physician. Patients are encouraged to seek regular checkups and treatment from their primary physicians. Patients should always contact the primary care physician first for treatment of new symptoms or if hospital or emergency room care is anticipated.
My office will call in prescription refills for allergy medications for patients who have been seen on a regular basis within the past 6-12 months. Antibiotics require an office visit. Prescriptions will be called in only from 9AM-4Pm Monday-Thursday and 9-2PM on Friday.
Hospital consultation if requested by the patient's attending physician once the patient has been initially evaluated and/or admitted to the hospital. For additional information or appointments call 706-863-0410. If you would like for Dr. House to return your call and answer general questions about Allergy and Immunology services, pleaseindicate this before scheduling an appointment. This is especially important for patients with skin conditions. Except for patients with hives, Dr. House prefers that the patient be first seen or referred by a Dermatologist prior to allergy consultation. Many common skin conditions do not require the extensive testing and evaluation which an allergy workup entails. It can be more cost-effective if the patient is seen first by a Dermatologist. New patients and those Patients transferring from another allergist should expect to be skin tested, since techniques and allergy serum potency may vary from location to location.
I appreciate very much having advance information such as lab reports, hospital summaries, pathology reports and office notes from your attending physician and prior hospitalizations. Please request this information be sent to us.
FAX 706-863-9368
After hours the answering service number is 706-821-4327. Your primary care physician should be consulted first. This number should not be used for prescription refills. Prescriptions will only be called in during regular office hours .

Send me an email (Use the phone and call 706-863-0410 for confidential medical treatment requests.For your protection do not email Rx requests or send confidential information by email. A copy of my confidentiality policy is available in the office.
The American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology Website