Allergy Testing & Treatment
We get it, allergies can pose a major problem. If you have severe seasonal allergies, you may be used to avoiding the outdoors during certain months, and for those with food allergies, dining out can be more trouble than it’s worth. Let us help! We offer empathetic and reliable allergy testing services, along with tailored treatment options to address these concerns.
So, what is an allergy?
To put it simply, allergies are your body’s triggered response to a substance it sees as harmful, such as pollen, bee venom, or certain foods. Although no one knows for certain why some people are allergic to certain things while others are not, it is believed that exposure to allergens at times when the body’s immune system is weak, such as after an illness or during pregnancy, may play a role in the development of allergies.
When faced with a threat, your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.
The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies can’t be cured, treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.
Article highlight: Understanding the Need for Allergy Testing: A Comprehensive Guide
Common Allergies: Causes and Symptoms
Allergies and their symptoms vary from person to person. As your primary care physician, these are some of the most common cases we treat in our Plano patients:
Pet Allergy
Common Causes:
- Dander & Saliva
Symptoms:
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- nasal congestion
- coughing
- chest tightness
- skin rash/hives
- watery eyes
Seasonal Allergy
Common Causes:
- Ragweed, elm, mountain cedar, and oak pollen
Symptoms:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- watery/itchy eyes
- fatigue
- coughing
Insect Allergy
Common Causes:
- Bees, cockroaches, or ants can trigger allergic reactions.
Symptoms:
- skin rashes/hives.
- swelling of the face
- short of breath/ wheezing
- dizziness and/or fainting
- vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Skin Allergy
Common Causes:
- Poison Ivy, soaps, latex, fragrances, and chemicals
Symptoms:
- rash
- itching
- redness
- swelling
- scaling (flaking of skin)
- cracked skin
Drug Allergy
Common Causes:
- Oral or topical prescription drugs
Symptoms:
- hives
- itching of the skin or eyes
- skin rash
- swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
Food Allergy
Common Causes:
- Cow’s milk, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts
Symptoms:
- tingling/itching in the mouth
- rash
- swelling of the face, mouth or throat
- wheezing or shortness of breath
- vomiting
IMPORTANT: Crucially, over time with repeated exposure, allergies can intensify. If you experience allergy symptoms, timely diagnosis and specific trigger identification become imperative.
What Are Diseases Associated With Allergies?
Allergies can lead to several conditions, including:
- Anaphylaxis: A rapid and potentially fatal allergic reaction characterized by itchy rash, throat swelling, low blood pressure, medical shock, vomiting, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness.
- Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic skin inflammation causing red, swollen, itchy, and cracked skin, often oozing clear fluid that thickens over time.
- Allergic Asthma: An inflammatory lung disease leading to wheezing, chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, and reversible airflow obstruction.
- Hay Fever: Nasal inflammation resulting in a runny or stuffy nose, red, watery, or itchy eyes, sneezing, and eye swelling.
How Are Allergies Treated?
At Better Health, allergy testing specialists and the expert team seek to treat the underlying cause of allergies, not just the symptoms. We focus on:
Antihistamines
These work by blocking the action of histamines, which are chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction. These help relieve symptoms and are available in over-the-counter and prescription forms.
Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)
This is a long-term treatment approach that aims to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. It involves receiving regular injections of small amounts of the allergen. Over time, your body becomes less reactive.
Intranasal Corticosteroids
These medications are designed to alleviate allergy symptoms associated with nasal inflammation. Applied directly into the nasal passages as sprays, these work by reducing inflammation and swelling of the nasal lining.
How do you test for allergies?
Allergy testing helps identify the specific triggers for your allergies. It includes three types of testing:
Skin Prick Testing:
This involves introducing allergens under the skin to determine your body’s reaction. Results are typically available within 30 minutes.
Patch Testing:
Adhesive patches treated with allergens are applied to your skin to assess local responses. The diagnosis takes at least 48 hours.
Blood Testing
The most common allergy testing method involves measuring specific IgE antibodies in your blood. This quick and painless test is suitable for all ages.
Your Trusted Allergy Specialist In Plano
For comprehensive allergy testing services and empathetic treatment options, trust Better Health in Plano. Schedule an appointment now to take the first step toward better well-being.