Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

The human body is a complex and self-contained machine that governs its own health through its immune system. For the most part, your immune system works very well, protecting you from harmful bacteria and other external “assaults” by successfully fighting off the perceived threat.

With allergies, your immune system mistakenly registers a foreign substance as a potential threat and responds with antibodies, causing an allergic reaction.

What are the most common allergies?

Allergies can largely be divided into several categories, including:

Hay fever

Also called sinus rhinitis, hay fever is a response to substances in your environment, such as pollen or mold, and brings on symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes.

Food allergies

Many children develop allergies to certain foods, such as nuts or shellfish, that lead to swelling in the mouth, hives, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Insect allergies

Some people have an overreaction to insect stings, which can lead to swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis.

Skin allergies

This condition is also known as atopic dermatitis and leads to rashes or itchy skin when exposed to allergens, such as latex.

The fact is that almost anything can cause allergies if your body’s immune system responds poorly to it, but the above list represents the most common culprits.

How are allergies tested and treated?

The team at Integrative Primary Care offers comprehensive blood testing for allergies that helps get to the bottom of your problems. With an in-house lab, your doctor is able to get fast results to get you on the appropriate treatment plan as quickly as possible.

Once your doctor identifies the source of your allergies through in-house blood testing, they come up with a treatment plan that may include medications, such as antihistamines and epinephrine pens, as well as trigger-avoidance therapies.

While there’s no cure for allergies, there are ways you can minimize their impact on your life and your doctor works with you until you find the right solution.

If you’re battling allergies, call Integrative Primary Care for comprehensive testing and treatment. Or you can use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.