Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

Allergies are an immune response which occurs when an element in the environment, known as an allergen, gets into contact with an individual either through breathing it in, ingesting it, or skin contact. When an allergen come into contact with the person, he or she has an irregular or excited immune response. Allergies can cause symptoms like:

• Hives
• Rashes
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired or ill
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy, runny nose
• Coughing

What tests are used to diagnose allergies?

To identify what an individual is allergic to the physician will inquire about the effects being experienced and the types of allergens the individual could have come into contact with. Allergy skin tests and blood tests are usually employed to diagnose the allergy. Throughout an allergy skin test, the physician will utilize concentrated extracts of particular allergens to test for a skin reaction like a rash. When the reaction is present, the person is allergic to that allergen. This reaction can be achieved by pricking the upper layer of skin, injecting a tiny amount just beneath the skin, or placing a treated patch on top the skin.

What treatments are available for allergies?

Frequently, medications are available over-the-counter to help with mild allergies. When the allergy symptoms are more severe, the doctor can prescribe other types of medications to help address the issue including:

• Antihistamines and decongestants- these medications can help with the nasal symptoms of allergies such as itching, sneezing, and congestion.
• Nasal sprays- when congestion is particularly severe these sprays can help to clean nasal passages
• Eye Drops- different forms of drops can be used to help treat itchy, red, and watery allergy eyes
• Allergy Shots- these injections can help when the symptoms are severe by working with the body to control the immune response

 If you think you have had an allergic reaction, you should make an appointment with Dr. Rabbani for testing and treatment at your earliest convenience. Allergies can develop or change over time, so it is important to seek treatment before the reaction becomes severe.