Allergy to substances in our environment can cause the most uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, runny nose, post nasal drip, ear congestion, headaches and eye irritation. If the chest is involved, wheezing may occur. If the skin is involved, hives or eczema may result. Allergies treatment can help.
Causes Of Allergies
Allergies can be caused by the following:
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- Pollen
- Dust
- Animal danders
- Molds
- Foods
- Insects stings
- Medications and chemicals
Diagnosing Your Allergies
Allergy testing will show what you are allergic to. Allergy skin testing can be completed at the first visit so you will have immediate results. Your pattern of allergies will tell you what your are allergic to, what time of year you can expect to have problems and what you should avoid. Sometimes you may think you have allergies, but testing will show no allergy at all, and your symptoms may be due to something else. This is important to know as well.
How Are Allergies Treated?
Our doctors will explain your allergy profile and recommend the best way to treat your condition. This may be a combination of environmental measures combined with the most effective medications if necessary.
For individuals who have already tried medication without relief, or who want to avoid medications, allergy injections can provide excellent results. Examples are individuals who have intolerable hay fever or those who have severe reactions to cats or dogs. See the section on Allergy Shots.
Whatever treatment program is recommended, we can readily restore you to a normal quality of life.
Food Allergies
In the case of food allergies, we can determine which foods are safe to eat and which must be avoided. Sometimes we will identify anaphylactic food allergies in infants and children, and we will provide guidance on diet and management. Some children may be candidates for a new treatment called oral immunotherapy, or OIT, which will desensitize the child to the allergenic food, such as milk, egg, peanut and tree nuts. For more information, see the section on Food Allergy.