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What is it?
An Allergy is an abnormal immune system response to typical household and environmental substances. These substances are called allergens. They are found in cat and dog hair, plants, molds and foods. The allergens cause the immune system to overreact.
When a person eats, inhales or gets an allergen on their skin, an allergic reaction occurs. The body attacks the allergen as an invader by producing antibodies. The antibody, called IgE, attaches to the allergen and acts as a messenger. It calls the body’s immune system into action to defend against the allergen. The body then produces histamine from mast cells. Mast cells are found throughout the respiratory and gastrointestinal system. Histamine produces the symptoms associated with allergies such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes and gastrointestinal complaints.
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Symptoms
Sneezing, respiratory issues, hives? How about fatigue or digestive issues? These are just a few symptoms that could mean that you have an allergy.
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Statistics
- Asthma and Allergies strike 1 out of 5 Americans.
- Rank of allergies among other leading chronic diseases in the U.S.: 5th.
- Percentage of our lives that we spend indoors: 90%.
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How We Help
We can perform a quick simple test that covers 72 environmental and food allergies to help you keep your energy levels at peak performance. Don’t let allergies destroy your quality of life.
- - 30 minute scratch test – Skin tests use extracts -- a concentrated liquid form -- of common allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, and foods. Once the allergen gets in your skin, it could trigger a rash. Your skin will get irritated and may itch, like a mosquito bite.
- - Blood testing – Blood tests for allergies called ELISA studies are the second line method for testing for allergies. It is typically reserved for people who for some medical reason cannot have the scratch test.
- - Allergy Injections – Allergy shots essentially help your body to cope better with allergens in the environment. Allergy shots, also called "immunotherapy," may work for you if allergy drugs don’t work well or you have symptoms more than three months a year.
- - Allergy Drops – Allergy drops work the same way as the shots, but are delivered under the tongue. Both allergy shots and drops must be taken on a regular basis for many months to work effectively.