Allergy

Allergic reactions occur when the body's immune system overreacts to certain harmless substances—causing a response anywhere in the body that can range from mild (a stuffy nose, sniffling or sneezing) to severe (swelling, itchy skin, lips or tongue, rash, lowered blood pressure, wheezing, shortness of breath or a rapid, weak pulse). These harmless substances can include dust, mold, certain foods, insect bites, grass, pollen, animal dander, latex and even some medications.

Our allergy experts treat a wide range of allergic reactions, including:

• Allergies to food, drugs, pets, stinging insects or the environment (mold, dust, grass, trees, pollen)
• Asthma
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic cough
• Hay fever
• Nasal polyps
• Rash (eczema or hives)
• Sinus disease

To evaluate the source of the allergy, your doctor will perform a physical examination and discuss symptoms. You may be asked to keep track of symptoms and possible triggers.

Your provider might recommend testing to help determine the source and severity of your allergies. These tests include:

• Skin testing: involves exposure to possible allergens through tiny pricks in the skin.
• Blood testing: measures sensitivity to possible allergens by the amount of allergy-causing antibodies found in the blood.

Our experts have advanced training and experience in diagnosing allergies and developing an individualized treatment plan to prevent or manage allergic symptoms. They help you feel better and have an improved quality of life.

While it's difficult avoid all allergens completely, with the help of our allergy specialist, allergy symptoms can often be prevented or controlled with:

• Medications: such as decongestants and antihistamines are effective in reducing runny nose, sneezing and itching. Other medications can prevent the release of chemicals that cause an allergic reaction or relieve swelling that causes stuffy nose symptoms.
• Immunotherapy treatment: desensitizes the body's immune system by introducing purified allergen extracts over a period of time. Forms of immunotherapy include injection (shots) or sublingual (drops or a tablet dissolved under the tongue).
• Emergency epinephrine: is sometimes necessary in the event of a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis). This shot can reduce life-threating symptoms until the patient can get to an emergency room for treatment.