Allergies Specialist
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Good Neighbor Clinic
Family Practice and Urgent Care located in Los Angeles, CA
Did you know that allergies are the sixth most common chronic health conditions in the United States? If you or your loved ones suffer from sneezing, itching, or a congested or runny nose, you can get comprehensive allergy care from the Good Neighbor Clinic in Los Angeles, California. They do allergy testing and evaluations, and develop a customized treatment plan that’s perfect for you. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Allergies Q&A
What causes allergies?
Allergies begin when your immune system identifies and overreacts to a substance that your body has an allergy to. When you encounter that substance, your body sets off an immune response that causes your allergy symptoms.
These are some of the most common allergens:
- Pollen (grasses, trees, flowers, weeds)
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Food proteins
- Insect venom
- Nickel and other metals
- Latex
- Certain medicines
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
- Cockroaches and other insects
Though you can develop an allergy to any food, most allergies come from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, and soy.
What symptoms do allergies cause?
The specific symptom you have depends on the type of allergy. As a group, allergies cause:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Congested nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Itchy nose, eye, or mouth
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Swelling
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Food, latex, insect, and drug allergies have a higher risk of causing a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction develops very quickly, causing symptoms such as swelling in your tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and fainting.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment to prevent shock and, potentially, death. If you have a self-injecting epinephrine pen, use it immediately and call 911.
How are allergies treated?
Treatment for most allergies begins with a plan to avoid your allergens, and you are prescribed medications to ease your symptoms.
If you have a food allergy, keeping it out of your diet is the only preventive treatment option. Though the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oral immunotherapy for peanuts, it’s only for children aged 4-17 years old, and they still need to stay away from peanuts.
If your allergies are moderate to severe or over-the-counter medications fail to help your symptoms, your provider may recommend stronger antihistamines as well as other prescription medications or even epinephrine injection if extremely severe. Immunotherapy is usually provided by specialized centers. They are available in two forms: allergy shots and sublingual tablets that dissolve under your tongue.
If you struggle with allergy symptoms, help is available from the experienced doctors at Good Neighbor Clinic. Call or book an appointment online today.
