Allergies

What are allergies?

If you have allergies, your immune system reacts to certain substances that don’t cause reactions in most other people. You might be allergic to any of the following:

• Insect stings
• Pollen
• Certain foods
• Some medications
• Mold spores
• Dust mites
• Latex
• Pet dander

Allergy symptoms range in severity from mild to severe and life-threatening in some cases. Treatment with the White Integrated Health Clinics team can offer you symptom relief.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose
• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Itchy skin
• Anaphylaxis 

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause you to go into shock. You might experience severe shortness of breath, lightheadedness, a sudden drop in blood pressure, a weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, or even loss of consciousness in some cases.

What are the risk factors for allergies?

Anybody can develop allergies, but some things increase your risk of experiencing allergic reactions. Examples include having asthma or a family history of allergies or asthma. Children often have a higher risk of developing allergy symptoms.

How does my health care provider diagnose allergies?

To find out if you have allergies, and what those allergies are, your family nurse practitioner C would review your symptoms and medical history. 

They would complete a physical exam and recommend you undergo a blood test, skin prick test, or patch test to determine the allergens to which your body is sensitive. Then they would develop a treatment plan that can eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

What are common allergy treatments?

Common allergy treatments include:

Allergy avoidance

Avoiding certain foods, medications, and other potential allergens can reduce your risk of experiencing serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.

Medications

Using oral medications, liquids, nasal sprays, or eye drops can alleviate unpleasant allergy symptoms.

Allergy shots

Allergy shots consist of purified allergen extracts. Your specialist can give you a series of allergy shots spaced apart overtime to help your body build a tolerance to specific allergens.

Epinephrine shots

Epinephrine shots are emergency injections you can keep with you in case of a severe allergic reaction. Such shots can reduce life-threatening symptoms until you’re able to seek emergency treatment.

Don’t live with debilitating or life-threatening symptoms of allergies when simple treatments can offer you relief. Call the White Integrated Health Clinics office to schedule an appointment, or book one online today.