Allergies

What are allergies?

Allergies are a common chronic health condition where your immune system reacts to allergens that don’t bother most other people. Your immune system reacts to substances in the environment, foods, or insect stings after identifying them as harmful to your body.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Symptoms of allergies, or your immune system’s response to allergens, range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. When you’re exposed to substances you’re allergic to, the following symptoms may occur:

• A runny, stuffy, or itchy nose
• Red or itchy skin
• Red or watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Rashes or hives
• Swelling
• Asthma or difficulty breathing

In the case of an extreme allergic reaction, anaphylaxis (going into shock) can happen. This is a life-threatening medical emergency that may lead to nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, severe shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness.

What are examples of allergens?

Everybody is different, as substances that lead to allergic reactions in some people don’t cause symptoms in others. Common allergens include:

• Bee venom
• Other insect stings
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Certain foods
• Medications
• Latex

If you experience allergy symptoms, you might be allergic to one or more of these allergens.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Dr. Abrar and this team review your medical history and symptoms and use various tests to determine what you’re allergic to. Examples include:

Skin testing

Dr. Abrar pricks your skin and exposes it to small amounts of potential allergens. A raised skin bump, or hive, that results can indicate an allergy to that particular substance.

Blood tests

Blood tests help Dr. Abrar figure out what you’re allergic to. These tests measure the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your blood.

What is the treatment for allergies?

The allergy treatment that’s best for you depends on what you’re allergic to and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Abrar might recommend:

• Avoiding certain allergens
• Oral medications
• Allergy nasal sprays
• Emergency epinephrine shots
• Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy involves being exposed to small amounts of allergens in increased doses over time to desensitize your immune system. It might include allergy shots, sublingual allergy tablets, or allergy drops.

Don’t let allergy symptoms ruin your quality of life. Make an appointment with Dr. Abrar and his team at Fulshear Medical Associates by phone or online today.

We are focused on primary care and see patients for weight loss and allergies. 

We are a primary care practice and offer annual physicals. Call us to book your appointment today.