Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

Allergies are a chronic condition that develops when your immune system mistakes a typically benign substance — known as an allergen — as a potential threat to your health and responds by releasing the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody to fight it off. When IgE interacts with the allergen, it causes allergic symptoms including:

• A runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Rashes and hives
• Swelling
• Nausea and vomiting

If you or a member of your family has allergies, you should be aware of the signs of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that triggers low blood pressure, a weak pulse, and constriction of your airways as well as other common allergy symptoms. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening.

Allergy symptoms can change over time, becoming more severe or, in some cases, disappearing as you age. For example, some children grow out of food allergies such as dairy and eggs. You should always be aware of the early warning signs of an allergic attack and be prepared to take action quickly.

What are the common allergens?

Some of the most common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Dust
• Animal dander
• Mold
• Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy products, eggs, and shellfish
• Medicines
• Latex
• Insect bites and stings

If you suspect that you or your child has an allergy, make an appointment with Dr. Lee at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment.

What’s the process for diagnosing allergies?

Dr. Lee offers allergy testing to confirm your diagnosis and to identify the specific allergens that trigger your allergic response. Allergy testing is usually a skin test.

Dr. Lee injects or applies a diluted amount of a suspected allergen to your skin. He observes your skin for signs of an allergic reaction and may test several potential allergens at the same time, creating a line or a grid of test sites. You are closely monitored throughout the test in case of an extreme reaction.

What’s the process for treating allergies?

Dr. Lee offers immunotherapy to treat your allergies. Immunotherapy is a series of injections of diluted amounts of your known allergens. The allergy injections slowly help your body learn to recognize that the allergen isn’t a threat, decreasing and eventually eliminating your allergic symptoms.

Dr. Lee can also provide treatments to relieve your allergy symptoms and help you make lifestyle adjustments to avoid your allergic triggers.

Don’t let allergies interfere with your life. Call Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care today or make an appointment online.