ALLERGY CLINIC

Your Health is our Priority

What are Allergies?

Allergies happen when your body’s immune system reacts to substances that normally would not cause a reaction in most people. When you are allergic, the immune system reacts to natural substances the same way it would react to something harmful. The immune system “misreads” something that is otherwise completely harmless. The top 10 causes of allergic reactions are:

Molds
Grasses
Pet Dander
Mountain Cedar
Shellfish
Dust Mites
Ragweed
Nuts
Egg
Stinging Insects

Anyone above the age of 2, with the following symptoms, can be scheduled for allergy testing.

Symptoms:

Sneezing, hay-fever, itchy nose
Watery and itchy eyes
Shortness of breath and wheezing
Contact dermatitis
Headaches and/or migraines, dizziness
Recurrent ear infections
Nausea, diarrhea
Itching of the mouth, tongue or throat

Examples of Triggers:

Dust mites
Pets
Pollen (Grass, Weeds, and Trees)
Mold
Pollution (gas or smoke)
Chemicals
Food
Perfumes and fragrances.

Allergy Testing Options:

In order to properly diagnose and plan your future allergy care, diagnostic testing must be performed.

Skin Testing: This method can be performed using a small prick to the surface of the back and/or an injection of a small amount of allergen to the surface of the upper arms. When mild swelling and redness occur, this indicates that a positive reaction to a particular allergen has occurred.
In-vitro (Blood) testing: A small amount of blood is taken to see if specific antibodies towards one or more allergens are present. This means that you are allergic and might have an allergic reaction if exposed to those substances.

Treatment Options

There are many types of medications that may relieve your symptoms. Immunotherapy or desensitization will build your immune system’s tolerance to allergens overtime. This treatment can be administered through weekly allergy injections or daily sublingual therapy.