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Allergy Treatments

Allergy Treatments

Allergy symptoms at the onset should be the signal to contact an Allergist. Holistic practitioners, licensed acupuncturists, chiropractors and other health care professional may attempt to treat allergy symptoms. However, nothing can replace the advice of a board certified Allergist and Immunologist. These medical professionals   have the ability to identify triggers based on scientific evidence, develop intervention treatment plans that eliminates the allergic response, and may significantly reduce the risk of allergy symptoms.

Allergy testing is the next step to determine if the symptoms are an actual allergy or are masking another medical issue. The symptoms of food poisoning are similar to a food allergy, but of course they are far different. A cold, cough, or a runny nose could be the beginning of the flu, a sinus or respiratory infection, or allergy. Allergy testing is often needed to differentiate between likely causes.

Allergy testing runs the gamut.  The most common is skin testing, involving a slight prick of the skin, which is the gold standard. Blood testing, challenge testing, patch testing or intradermal testing may also be performed by select practitioners. Allergy blood tests are helpful for measuring Immunoglobulin E (IgE), and an Eosinophil white blood cell count can confirm or reveal previously hidden allergies. Your Allergist will know how to best proceed for a high quality diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Allergy Plan of Action

Allergy shots that desensitize allergens are often effective and provide highly satisfactory results for people with allergies to enhance your life.

Avoiding allergens, if at all possible, is often also part of the treatment plan. Since allergy testing performed by a board certified Allergist reveals your allergens, you’ll be able to best know what to avoid. If the local pollen count is high, and you suffer from hay fever, you won’t want to run through open fields or parks with freshly cut grass. If you have peanut allergies, stay away from sitting at bars with peanut bowls. Don’t eat food or take drugs that will trigger allergic issues and be informed about food recalls due to allergens.  If you have allergies to mold and this triggers an asthmatic response, it’s probably worthwhile to stay away from living in old homes that are more likely to have old water pipes that can leak and create hidden mold in your walls.

Severe allergic reactions (called “anaphylaxis”) require treatment with a medicine called Epinephrine, which saves lives when administered on the spot. In fact, some members of the medical community believe there is a link between the high incidence of Heart Attack in the U.S. and some form of anaphylaxis, which is associated with similar symptoms.

Allergy medications, both over-the-counter and prescriptions, are available to prevent and treat allergies. Your Allergist will know what’s right for you, depending on the type of allergy, nature of your symptoms, your age, and your overall health. Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as Asthma, Hay Fever, and Eczema) may require other treatments for select allergies.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.