ALLERGY TESTING/SHOTS
What are Allergies?
An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts excessively to a substance that is usually harmless, which results in an allergic reaction. Seasonal allergies are quite common and are marked by symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing due to exposure to allergens like pollen, mold, and other environmental pollutants. Similar reactions can also be caused by dust mites and pet dander. In some cases, allergies can evolve into or instigate asthma, a chronic lung condition that impedes your breathing capability. Both allergies and asthma impact your sinuses and airway. Asthma symptoms can be triggered by stress or infection, and in the case of allergic asthma, it only flares up when you are exposed to a specific pollen or another allergen. Allergies can also be a response to certain foods or topical substances, causing hives, digestive issues, or eye irritation. While allergies cannot be cured, they can be effectively managed with proper treatment.
What about Allergy Testing?
The goal of allergy testing is to determine the culprits behind your specific allergy symptoms. Hear Now ENT Sinus & Allergy can assess your symptoms to pinpoint your triggers and provide appropriate treatment. Accurate allergy testing is crucial as, without identifying the root cause of your allergies, over-the-counter medications or other treatments might not yield effective results. At Hear Now ENT Sinus & Allergy, we offer blood tests and skin tests for allergy detection. A skin test involves exposing your skin to a known allergen to check if it induces redness or inflammation. For a blood test, your sample is sent to a lab, and the results are available within a few days.
What is the Treatment Approach for Allergies?
Our team collaborates with you to devise a thorough treatment strategy for your allergies. Your plan may consist of:
- Avoidance Measures. Once your triggers are determined, you can mitigate or even eradicate allergies by completely avoiding the triggers. This might involve showering and changing clothes after being outdoors or staying clear of specific animals.
- Medication. The physicians may suggest over-the-counter or prescribed medicines to alleviate your symptoms and provide relief.
- Immunotherapy. If medications are insufficient in providing relief or if you prefer not to take them, allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy might be beneficial.
Dietary changes can also be advantageous, particularly if certain foods are found to exacerbate your allergy symptoms. If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, give us a call to schedule an appointment.