Information For New Patients
Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide. The symptoms of allergies range from making you miserable to putting you at risk for life-threatening reactions.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an exaggerated response of the immune system from common substances such as foods, animal dander and pollen. Your immune system is an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend against germs. It helps your body recognize and defend these “foreign” invaders. The immune systems job is to keep out all foreign invaders and destroy them. If your immune system can’t do its job the results can be serious. Allergy and Asthma are immune responses to substances that are usually not harmful. In the most serious cases, a life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAX-sis) can occur. Immune deficiency diseases are disorders in which the immune system is missing one or more of its parts. An Autoimmune disease causes your immune system to attack your own body’s cells and tissues by mistake. The parts of the body that are prone to allergic symptoms include the eyes, nose, lungs, sinuses, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
What is an allergen?
An allergen is a substance that is foreign to the body that can cause an allergic reaction. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE), the allergic antibody. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.
A number of different allergens are responsible for allergic reactions.
Common Allergy Causes:
- Animal Dander
- Dust
- Food
- Insect Stings
- Latex
- Medications
- Mold
- Pollen
Services We Offer:
- Allergy Injections
- Allergy, Nasal and Sinus Disease
- Asthma and Respiratory Disease
- Cough
- Food Allergies
- Managing Dust/Dander
- Migraines/Headaches
- Mold Avoidance (Indoor & Outdoor)
Who can develop allergies?
Allergies can develop at any age and some individuals can outgrow allergies over time. Early exposure can occur in the womb. There is a greater risk of developing allergic conditions if there is a family history, especially in parents and siblings however the environment can also play a large role.
How to diagnose an allergy?
If you or your child is having allergy symptoms, consult with your allergist/immunologist. An allergist has advanced training and experience to properly diagnose your condition and prescribe an allergy treatment and management plan to help you feel and live better.