Allergies
Allergies can attack at certain seasons or linger year-round, producing uncomfortable symptoms that you wish would go away. If you need expert care for your allergies. If you’re ready to put allergies behind you, call to schedule a consultation or book one online today.
Allergies Q & A
What are common kinds of allergies?
Millions of Americans – that’s right, up to 50 million – struggle with allergies! These reactions occur when your immune system goes into overdrive against harmless substances like dust or pollen. The result? Sneezing, runny nose, and a whole lot of discomfort impacting your daily life.
Here are common types of allergies you might experience.
Food Allergy
Food allergies can occur at any age, although they are most prevalent in infants and children. It’s possible to develop a food allergy at any point, even if you haven’t consumed a particular food or ingredient for many years.
Skin Allergy
Bumpy, red rashes are a frequent indication of a skin allergy. Skin allergies can be triggered by various substances, including contact with plants like poison ivy, specific foods, and medications.
Dust Allergy
A dust allergy can lead to year-round symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Many dust allergies are triggered by dust mites, tiny organisms that thrive on house dust.
Pet Allergy
Pet allergies can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including sneezing and skin rashes. These allergies can persist with symptoms appearing in places where a pet has been, such as home, work, or school, even after the pet has been removed.
Insect Sting Allergy
A sting by a bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, or fire ants injects venom into your skin, producing an allergic reaction. Though rare, stings cause life-threatening allergic reactions in 3% of adults and 0.4%- 0.8% of children.
How are allergies diagnosed?
At Dominion Family Healthcare, our doctors take a deep dive into your medical history to understand your asthma. They’ll ask about the timeline of your symptoms and any family history of asthma, allergies, or related conditions like hay fever and eczema. To pinpoint the exact triggers causing your asthma attacks, we may recommend advanced allergy testing, including blood tests or skin tests. This personalized approach allows us to develop a targeted treatment plan for lasting relief and a healthier you.
What does allergies treatment entail?
The good news is several treatments are available to relieve your allergy symptoms. Your doctor may suggest you start taking allergy medications, such as:
- Antihistamines: to relieve sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, and hives
- Decongestants: to ease a stuffy nose
- Corticosteroids: to treat inflammation in your nose
There’s no need to suffer from allergies when the right care can make you feel better and improve your quality of life. Call Dominion Family Healthcare today or schedule a consultation online.
What is the difference between seasonal environmental allergies and food allergies?
Seasonal or environmental allergies are triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, causing nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes. Food allergies involve immune system reactions to specific foods, leading to symptoms like hives, stomach pain, or severe swelling. We evaluate both types to help pinpoint exact triggers.
What options are available to manage persistent, year-round allergy symptoms?
Effective allergy care moves beyond temporary over-the-counter relief. We evaluate your lifestyle and environment to offer targeted daily prescription antihistamines, medicated nasal sprays, or lifestyle adjustments to keep symptoms managed before peak allergy seasons hit.
Can seasonal allergies lead to sinus infections or severe congestion?
Yes. Unmanaged allergic inflammation can cause swelling in your nasal passages, blocking fluid drainage and creating an ideal environment for sinus infections (sinusitis). Managing underlying allergies prevents chronic sinus blockages.
What is the difference between a daily controller inhaler and a quick-relief rescue inhaler?
Daily controller inhalers reduce underlying inflammation and swelling in your airways over time to prevent symptoms before they start. Quick-relief (rescue) inhalers relax the muscles around your airways instantly during an active flare-up or sudden shortness of breath.
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