Demystifying Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

If you suffer from allergies, you know they can make life miserable. They can leave you constantly sneezing, itching and feeling run down. But you don't have to suffer through allergy season anymore. At Schneck Medical Center, our team is dedicated to helping you find relief and getting you back to thoroughly enjoying your daily routine symptom-free.

Common Allergens & Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

The first step toward managing allergies is identifying specific triggers with method like allergy testing, where possible irritants are introduced to the body and observed. An allergy test can determine if you're reacting to common culprits like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, or insect stings. For many in our rural community, seasonal allergies flare up during planting season in spring and harvest time in fall when higher pollen and mold counts fill the air. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny or stuffy nose and watery eyes. Severe reactions may include hives, face or throat swelling, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Don't let prime allergy times ruin your outdoor adventures - get ahead of symptoms by seeking care.

Treatment Options at Schneck

When it comes to managing your allergies, Schneck offers many options based on your specific needs.

More common treatment options - antihistamines and nasal sprays - work by blocking the histamine response. Once the histamine response is blocked, the typical allergy symptoms (sneezing, itching and runny nose) most experience are reduced for a period of time. Of course, like any medication, there can be side effects, so it's important to discuss all options with your doctor. For those dealing with more stubborn or severe allergy symptoms, we offer advanced treatment options.

But what if your allergies are more severe and over-the-counter meds aren't cutting it? Don't worry. We've got a powerful option - allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy consists of injections that include a small amount of the allergen(s) that you're particularly sensitive to. Over time, your doctor will increase the amount you get (dosage), which will help your body fight the allergen and eventually build up a tolerance. Immunotherapy could provide long-lasting benefits to those who suffer from allergies.

In case of severe, life-threatening reactions like struggling to breathe or anaphylaxis, your provider will ensure you have easy access to emergency epinephrine auto-injectors, like EpiPens. These crucial devices can quickly reverse severe symptoms until further medical care arrives.

Don't keep suffering through allergies - our team is here to help you find the comprehensive care you need to breathe easily again.