Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms that leave you feeling less than your best. Common allergy symptoms include skin rashes, sneezing, and shortness of breath. If you are dealing with allergies, we can help. In Eden, NC, allergy treatment and testing is available at Eden Internal Medicine, Dr. Dhruv Vyas and Dr. Ashish Shah. Our board certified primary care physicians, Dr. Dhruv Vyas and Dr. Ashish Shah, can develop an individualized treatment plan to provide relief from allergy symptoms.
What causes an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is the immune system’s response to certain substances known as allergens. The immune system identifies allergens as a threat and produces antibodies to attack them. This reaction by the immune system is what produces an allergic reaction. Examples of common allergens that produce allergic reactions in some people include:
- Pollen
- Animal dander
- Insect bites or stings
- Certain medications (e.g., penicillin)
- Certain foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, dairy, wheat)
- Household chemicals
- Dust mites
- Latex
- Mold
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Allergens can produce a wide range of symptoms in individuals who are allergic to that substance. The specific symptoms experienced can differ depending on the individual and the allergen causing the allergic reaction. Common symptoms of allergies include:
- Sinus congestion
- Sneezing or runny nose
- A skin rash or hives
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Scratchy throat
- Facial swelling
What do allergy tests involve?
If you struggle with chronic allergy symptoms, we can help. We offer allergy treatment and testing at our Eden, NC, internal medicine office. Allergy testing helps identify what specific allergens are causing your symptoms so an effective treatment plan can be developed based on your needs. Several types of allergy tests are available, but the most common method involves exposing the skin to different allergens and observing whether or not a reaction occurs, such as a rash or itchy skin.
What treatments are there for allergies?
There are many ways to treat allergies and their symptoms. Medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, are one option for managing symptoms. Topical lotions and creams can also be used to sooth skin reactions. However, oral and topical medications only provide a short-term solution to allergy symptoms.
Another option with long-term benefits is immunotherapy. This treatment method exposes the body to small doses of the allergen regularly over time to help the immune system build up a tolerance to it. Small drops of allergen extract can be placed under the tongue or administered by injection. As the body’s tolerance to the allergen increases, the symptoms of an allergic reaction decrease.
You can experience long-term relief from allergy symptoms with the right treatment. For allergy treatment and testing in Eden, NC, schedule an appointment with Dr. Vyas or Dr. Shah by calling Eden Internal Medicine at (336) 627-4896.