Every year, millions of Americans are affected by allergies, which trigger various symptoms that have a major effect on their life quality. There is no treatment for allergies, but several proven remedies can effectively manage allergy symptoms. At Quality Primary Care, Suresh Malik, MD, a board-certified internal medicine practitioner, and his staff specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies in Rockville, Maryland. They use an integrative approach to medicine, focusing on your overall well-being rather than only your allergies. Call the Quality Primary Care office today or request an appointment online to get started.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies are an immune response system to an allergen, which is a foreign material. Once your body interacts with an allergen, your immune system responds by producing antibodies to protect you from the harmful material, resulting in an allergic reaction.
The allergen that causes the immune system response, for instance, food or pollen, is not dangerous to many other people. Allergies are very prevalent in the US. In fact, it is the sixth-leading cause of chronic disease.
Symptoms of allergies range from mild to extreme. For some individuals, allergies can result in a life-threatening response known as anaphylaxis, which necessitates urgent medical attention.
What Are the Different Kinds of Allergies?
Almost any material can cause an allergic reaction. The following are the most common allergies:
- Allergy to pollen
Pollen allergy is a popular periodic allergy that affects many people. You could get watery and itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, or a runny nose if you have a pollen allergy.
- Allergies of foods
Dairy, meat, soy, peanuts, wheat, poultry, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts are all prevalent food allergens. Food allergies can result in life-threatening allergic responses.
- Insect sensitivity
The two types of insect allergies are stinging insect allergies (hornets, wasps, bees) and non-stinging insect allergies (dust mites, cockroaches). Symptoms of insect allergies can vary from minor to serious, based on the form of allergy.
Pet dander, latex, and mold are all popular allergens. You may also experience a drug allergy, but genuine drug allergies are rare.
What Methods Are Used to Identify Allergies?
Once you go to Quality Primary Care with allergy issues, the providers perform a thorough examination to pinpoint the source of your symptoms and evaluate your overall health. During your test, your physician will ask you specific questions regarding your symptoms and when they arise. They will also conduct a physical examination and study your family and personal medical records.
The specialists can suggest allergy blood testing or allergy skin testing to decide which allergen triggers your symptoms.
What is the Treatment for Allergies?
Allergy treatment varies based on the type of allergy and the seriousness of the symptoms. Quality Primary Care’s specialists develop a personalized care plan intended to reduce your symptoms and enhance your life quality. Your care plan might include one or more of the following:
o Immunotherapy for lengthy symptom relief
o Avoiding the allergen as much as possible
o Managing symptoms with allergy medicine
The doctors at Quality Primary Care recommend an epinephrine pen for patients who experience life-threatening allergic responses (anaphylaxis). Such patients should carry it with them everywhere they go.
If you are suddenly exposed to an allergen, an epinephrine injection will help you feel better before you can get through an emergency room for expert care.
Quality Primary Care is a state-of-the-art internal medicine practice. Led by Dr. Malik, the practice takes an integrative approach to individualized, holistic care. For top-level allergy care, contact the office by mobile or use the online booking tool to set up a consultation today.
