Allergies

What is an allergy?

When your immune system mistakes a foreign substance as an invader (allergen), it causes inflammation, or an allergic response, to defend against the perceived attack. Your immune system produces antibodies that release histamines each time you encounter that allergen.

Depending on what’s triggering your symptoms, allergies can affect your digestive system, airways, sinuses, skin, or nasal passages.

What are some symptoms of allergies?

Some of the most common allergy symptoms are:

• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Skin rashes
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Hives
• Trouble breathing

The most extreme symptom of allergies is anaphylaxis, which is serious and dangerous. If you feel your tongue, lips, or throat swelling, or have sudden dizziness or feel like you’re going to faint, call 911 right away.

What are common allergy triggers?

Allergens that typically trigger an allergic reaction are:

• Mold
• Pet dander
• Dust pollen
• Certain foods like tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, dairy, and gluten
• Insect stings
• Contact allergens like poison ivy, perfumes, and dyes

What can I expect at an allergy appointment?

At your appointment with Dr. Olusanya, you’ll receive comprehensive allergy testing to determine and diagnose the root cause of your symptoms. Your evaluation may include some of the following tests:

• Skin prick test
• Food test
• Patch test
• Insect allergy test
• Skin biopsies
• Drug test

Depending on your symptoms and their severity, your provider can help determine which tests are best for you.

How are allergies treated?

The best treatment for allergies is to avoid what’s triggering them. Other effective ways to manage bothersome symptoms are:

• Immunotherapy injections
• Medications
• Inhalers
• Epinephrine pens
• Lifestyle changes

Once the team at Charter Medical Center identifies the cause of your allergies, you’ll work together to develop a custom plan so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a proven way to build up your tolerance to an allergic trigger. It’s most effective for chronic and seasonal allergies and trains your body to respond less severely to allergens.

At your first appointment, Dr. Olusanya gently injects you with a minuscule dose of your known allergen. In the coming weeks, you’ll return a few times for increasing dosages as he conditions your body to better tolerate your triggers.

If you need help with aggravating symptoms of allergies, call Charter Medical Center or schedule an appointment online today.