If you feel as though more and more people are suffering from allergies, you’re not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are on the rise, affecting 30% of adults in the United States. Due to the growing need, the team at Family Practice, PA, in Hitchcock, Texas, offer allergy management and treatment. If you’re one of the many Texans dealing with allergies, call the office today or book an appointment online to get relief.
Allergies are an immune system reaction. When you come in contact with a substance your body thinks is foreign, it reacts by triggering your immune system to send out immune-fighting antibodies that travel to your cells to release histamine, which causes the allergic reaction.
Allergies affect both children and adults, and they’re one of the most common chronic medical conditions in children. As board-certified family practice physicians, our doctors our trained to manage medical conditions such as allergies in both children and adults.
Coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes are very common allergy symptoms. Other symptoms that may indicate allergies include:
There are a number of common substances, referred to as allergens, that cause allergies. These include:
The most common food allergens include:
If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, the doctor may order testing to identify the allergen. Common allergen tests include:
Skin prick tests are accurate, and the results are available quickly. But if you’re taking certain medications, the doctor may prefer a blood test to determine your allergy.
Allergies are a chronic medical condition, which means they don’t go away and require medical care to manage the symptoms. To alleviate your symptoms, our physicians may recommend you limit your exposure to the allergen. With food allergies, we recommend you omit the food from your diet.
Once you’ve limited or eliminated the allergen from your environment, the team may recommend medication to alleviate symptoms, including antihistamines and decongestants to relieve itchy eyes, coughing, and stuffy or a runny nose. To reduce inflammation, he may recommend corticosteroids.
If you’re suffering from allergies and over-the-counter medications aren’t working, call Family Practice, PA, today or book an appointment online to get an examination and treatment plan.
