Allergies impact millions of people worldwide every year, causing symptoms that range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. With the guidance of leading allergy care specialists, patients can manage their symptoms and reduce adverse side effects. However, many people dealing with irritating symptoms have never been tested for allergies, and certainly never received a treatment plan. When you’re worried about the common signs associated with allergies, a visit to our North Texas allergy treatment centers can help.
What Are the Primary Environmental Allergy Symptoms?
Environmental allergies caused by pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander are among the most common types of allergies. While it’s possible to experience varying reactions to allergen exposure, the following symptoms are most likely to be experienced.
- Sneezing
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Skin rash or hives
- Coughing and wheezing
These reactions are the body’s way of trying to fight off or get rid of the allergen. For example, sneezing is a way to remove airborne particles from the nasal passages. Unfortunately, this immune system response may lead to discomfort or possible severe reactions.
What Are the Main Food Allergy Symptoms?
Food allergies are reactions to proteins in foods like eggs, milk, peanuts and tree nuts. Allergy testing is important for determining exactly which allergen is responsible for the following common symptoms.
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face or tongue
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
While the symptoms of food and environmental allergies share similarities, food allergies are more likely to cause abdominal pain. Also, the severity of the symptoms can vary, with food allergies being more likely to trigger anaphylaxis.
How Are Allergies Treated?
At TexasAllergyMD, we have multiple allergy treatment options available to prevent symptoms and build a tolerance towards specific allergens.
- Allergy Shots – A long-term treatment involving regular injection of allergens to gradually reduce allergic reactions.
- Allergy Drops – Also called sublingual immunotherapy, this convenient treatment uses allergen drops placed under the tongue to build tolerance.
- Food Allergy Drops – This treatment, also called Food Sublingual Immunotherapy (Food SLIT) is only available from food allergy specialists. It uses food allergy drops to desensitize the immune system to food allergens such as milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
- Oral Immunotherapy Treatment (OIT) – Food in small, gradually increasing amounts is consumed to increase tolerance and reduce the risk of severe reactions.
Each of these allergy treatments allows patients to live with a much-reduced fear of allergic reactions. Allergists can recommend the best treatment after conducting allergy testing, paying close attention to the severity of symptoms, age, general health and other factors. After completing treatment, individuals can experience daily life without the recurring threat of allergic reactions.
Get Relief From Allergy Symptoms in North Texas
If you experience any of these common allergy symptoms, visit one of our allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper or Southlake. We offer dependable allergy treatments and ongoing management solutions that prevent allergic reactions. Call TexasAllergyMD at (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment today.
