What is an allergy?

One of the great things about the human body is that it can defend itself against harmful invaders such as viruses or bacteria. In some people, the body reacts to harmless substances such as dust, mold or pollen by producing an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). When patients with one of the allergic disease conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis are exposed to these substances, the immune system then bolsters its defenses and launches a host of complex weapons to attack and destroy the enemy. In the process some unpleasant, and in extreme cases, life threatening symptoms are experienced for the host.

What causes an allergic reaction?

Many thousands of ordinary everyday substances can trigger allergic reactions. “Allergens” as they are called, among some of the most popular being plant pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, chemicals, foods, medicines, and insect stings; Cause undesirable symptoms in patients. An allergic reaction can occur anywhere on the body, but usually appears on the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs. That’s because these are places where there are special immune cells that fight off invaders that are inhaled, swallowed, or come into contact with the skin. Unfortunately this makes them susceptible.

Who develops allergies/Why am I allergic now?

Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Allergies tend to be more common in children, however, they can happen for the first time at any age or even recur after many years of remission. Allergic disease is thought to be hereditary, though the genetic factors are not yet understood.

How do you test for allergies?

Your first appointment will be a consultation. This is in order to diagnose and treat with a thorough health and social history, as well as a physical examination. You will be asked about allergy symptoms that occur in association with exposure to certain things such as your environment as it may be highly significant for your diagnosis. Diagnostic testing may be warranted and can include blood tests, where you go to lab, or skin tests. They provide similar information and confirm your allergy status. Though the provider will decide which test is right for your depending on your circumstances, skin tests are preferable because the results are available immediately, it’s less expensive, and the testing is more sensitive. Despite that, a blood test may be appropriate in a situation where antihistamines cannot be stopped, if you have a skin condition that covers the body making testing difficult, or you are sensitive to the allergen to be tested and therefore skin testing would be risky.

What are allergy shots and the side effects?

Allergy shots are an effective and safe treatment for people who suffer from a variety of allergic diseases including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and insect stings. They typically have multiple causes and are started if medication management will not work. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, introduces small amounts of purified substances to which you are allergic to in small amounts that gradually grow over time. The shots are proven to improve the patient’s natural resistance to the allergens and minimize or even eliminate the need for medication. Like all medical treatments, immunotherapy has side effects. This will be discussed in detail with you. Allergy shots are not typically considered without an attempt of avoidance of the allergen. All patients are monitored for reactions, and though they are not common, they can occur. You will be taught about these before starting. Allergy shots on a regulated and scheduled basis leads to the production of blocking antibodies, or Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and a decrease of the allergic IgE antibodies.