Every year, millions of Americans are affected by allergies, which trigger various symptoms that substantially impact their life quality. Although there is no cure for allergies, there are several effective therapies that can help manage allergy symptoms. Suresh Malik, MD, a board-certified internal medicine practitioner, and his staff at Quality Primary Care are specialists in diagnosing and managing allergies in Rockville, Maryland. They employ a holistic approach to care, focusing on your overall health rather than just your allergies. Call or book an appointment online today to find out more.
What Exactly Are Allergies?
Allergies are an immune system response to an alien material, which is known as an allergen. Whenever your body comes into touch with an allergen, your immune system responds by producing antibodies to defend you from the hazardous material, resulting in an allergic reaction.
The allergen that causes the immune system response, including food or pollen, is not dangerous to most persons. In the United States, allergies are quite prevalent, making up the 6th leading cause of chronic disease.
Symptoms of allergies range from minor to severe. Nonetheless, allergies can induce a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis in some individuals, requiring prompt medical attention.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Allergies?
Virtually any substance may trigger an allergic reaction. The following are the most widespread allergies:
v Food Allergy
Prevalent food allergens include peanuts, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, seafood, tree nuts, and shellfish. Food allergies could result in life-threatening allergic reactions.
v Pollen Allergy
Pollen allergy is a typical seasonal allergy that affects many people. If you have a pollen allergy, you can get watery and itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, or a runny nose.
v Insect Allergy
Insect allergies come in two forms, including stinging insect allergies (hornets, wasps, bees), as well as non-stinging insect allergies (dust mites, cockroaches). Symptoms of insect allergies can range from minor to serious, based on the form of allergy.
Other prevalent allergens include pet dander, latex, and mold. You might also potentially develop a medication allergy; however, actual drug allergies are rare.
What Methods Are Used To Identify Allergies?
Once you contact Quality Primary Care with allergy issues, the staff thoroughly examines your overall health and pinpoints the source of your symptoms.
Throughout your exam, your physician will ask you detailed questions regarding your symptoms and when they happen. They will also conduct a physical examination and analyze your family and personal health records.
The staff may prescribe allergy blood tests or allergy skin testing to discover what allergen is triggering your symptoms.
What Are The Treatment Options For Allergies?
Allergy treatment varies depending on the form of allergy and the degree of your symptoms. Quality Primary Care’s staff develops a care plan to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your life quality.
Your care plan may incorporate one or more of the following:
- Keeping of allergens
- Taking antihistamines to alleviate symptoms
- Long-term symptom alleviation with immunotherapy
For patients who experience life-threatening allergic responses (anaphylaxis), the staff recommends an epinephrine pen. You must keep it with you wherever you go.
If you are suddenly introduced to an allergen, the epinephrine injection could help you feel better till you can travel to an emergency facility.
For extensive allergy care from a friendly and caring team, contact Quality Primary Care. Get started by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool to arrange an appointment.
