Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to a substance, like bee venom, pollen, pet dander, medication, or foods. When you’re allergic to something, your immune system identifies the particular allergen as harmful. When you come into contact with that allergen, your immune system reacts.

Allergy severity varies from one person to the next, and can range from minor irritation, including inflammation, sinus problems, or digestive system reactions, to life-threatening emergencies.

Most allergies can’t be cured, but allergy treatments can relieve their symptoms.

What symptoms do allergies cause?

Allergic reactions range from hardly noticeable to severe and life-threatening. Depending on the allergen causing your allergies, you could experience any of the following symptoms:

Food allergies

If you are allergic to a food, you can experience:

• Mouth tingling
• Lips, tongue, throat, and/or face swelling
• Hives

Severe food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can restrict your ability to breathe.

Drug allergies

If you experience drug allergies, you can have symptoms like:

• Hives or rash
• Facial swelling
• Itchy skin
• Wheezing

Severe drug allergies can also result in anaphylaxis.

Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis)

Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, itching eyes, mouth, or nose, and runny nose. Your eyes can also become watery, swollen, and/or red.

Insect sting or bite allergies

If you are allergic to an insect, you can experience:

• Swelling at the sting site
• Chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath
• Hives and itching all over your body

Anaphylaxis is a common worry for people with severe insect-sting allergies.

How do I know I’m having an anaphylactic reaction?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. Anaphylaxis can cause:

• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Severe drop in blood pressure
• Skin rash
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid and weak pulse

Call 911 or go immediately to a hospital emergency room if you experience anaphylaxis symptoms.

What are my treatment choices for allergies?

ENT & Allergy Specialists offer two kinds of immunotherapy to help get rid of your allergies. You can visit the office for allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or take allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) at home.

The team recommends allergy drops for children, asthmatics, the elderly, or anyone who doesn’t have the time to visit the office regularly.

Call ENT & Allergy Specialists of VA, PC today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment to be tested for allergies and receive treatment.