Here at Florida Otolaryngology Group’s Sinus and Allergy Center, we understand the impact that allergies can have on your life. Between sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny noses, and trouble breathing, allergies are nothing short of uncomfortable and can make some days feel impossible. If you’re suffering from allergy symptoms, it may be time to get checked out by one of our licensed specialists.
Allergies & You – An Immune Response
At its core, an allergy is an immune system response where your body mistakenly believes something harmless, like pollen or pet dander, to be a threat. To protect itself, your body releases antibodies and chemicals like histamines, which can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, some of which may be severe or even life-threatening. Allergies can affect different parts of your body, like your nose, lungs, skin, and eyes.
Common Allergens
It’s estimated that about 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergy. The most common allergies are related to animal dander, pollen from flowers, dust mites, mold spores, and certain food items like peanut butter, dairy, and soy. You can also be allergic to medication like penicillin, or insect stings like that of a wasp or bee.
Allergy Symptoms
If you come into contact with an allergen, symptoms will manifest in the form of a runny nose/nasal congestion (rhinitis), red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis), coughing and wheezing (asthma), or skin rashes/hives. In some cases—most often in food allergies—severe reactions such as anaphylaxis may occur, which requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis symptoms can include difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in the throat or chest, swelling of the throat and lips, and loss of consciousness.
Have New Allergies? We Can Help You Find Relief
If you think you might have an allergy, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis so that you receive effective treatment for relief from symptoms and reduce your allergy risk. Our team at Florida Otolaryngology Group specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of allergies in adults and children and will work with you to create a personalized plan of action to help you manage your allergy symptoms.
Current Medications Not Working?
If you’re noticing any new signs or symptoms related to allergies or if your current medications aren’t providing enough relief from your allergic reactions, we recommend booking an appointment with us as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your allergy symptoms, our team may suggest oral medication or injectable shots like subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Both are designed to change the behavior of the immune system when exposed to allergens to reduce symptom severity over time.
At Florida Otolaryngology Group we are dedicated to helping those suffering from allergies lead normal lives without worrying about their symptoms getting in the way. Rest assured knowing that our experienced team is here for you every step of the way on this journey towards achieving better health through allergy management services!
