What is an allergy?
An allergy is a hyperactive immune response to a substance that the body sees as harmful. Something you have breathed in, been bitten by, eaten, or touched, triggers a reaction that could range from mild to life-threatening.
Common allergy triggers include, but are not limited to:
- Animals - pet dander and saliva
- Environmental - mold, pollen, or dust mites
- Food - nuts, milk, or eggs
- Insects - bees, cockroaches, or ants
- Skin contact - soaps, latex, or plants
Allergies may worsen over time and with repeated exposure, as the body could react more severely each time. If you have allergy symptoms, you must have allergy testing, to determine what triggers may be causing your allergic reactions.
What is allergy testing?
Allergy testing helps identify what triggers your hyperactive immune response. Allergy testing could involve skin or blood testing.
Skin allergy testing
Skin allergy testing is most common and involves using a small prick or scratch on the skin of the arm or back to expose you to a small amount of a variety of allergens.
If you are allergic to a specific allergen, your body reacts within 15 minutes, and you may have itching or redness at the site.
Blood allergy testing
Dr. Acharya may recommend blood allergy testing if skin testing is unsafe or ineffective for some reason.
Allergy testing is a way to safely identify which allergens you should avoid and helps create a personalized treatment plan for you.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
There are a variety of possible allergy symptoms. Your allergic reaction may range from mild to life-threatening, or anaphylactic. Allergy symptoms may include:
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Red or watery eyes
- Skin rash or hives
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
Severe reactions may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Throat tightness
- Swelling
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
If your allergy testing shows you have a severe allergy, Dr. Acharya orders rescue medications, like an epinephrine injection, to keep with you at all times.
How are allergies treated?
At Texas Primary Care Specialists, Dr. Acharya and the team seek to treat the underlying cause of your allergies, not just the symptoms. Treatment plans include:
- Avoidance - the first line of defense against allergies reactions
- Medications - epinephrine, antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or bronchodilators
- Immunotherapy - introducing small amounts of the allergen until the body no longer overreacts
Dr. Acharya tailors your allergy treatment plan, which may include more than one of these elements, to your specific symptoms and allergens.
For a consultation regarding your allergies and expert allergy testing, call or schedule an appointment online with Texas Primary Care Specialists.
