What are allergies?
Allergies develop when your immune system responds abnormally to a substance in the environment that’s usually harmless or would only cause minimal harm. Common examples of allergens include:
Symptoms of allergies vary depending on which of your bodily systems is affected. For example, if your allergy affects your digestive system, you might feel nauseous, vomit, swell up, and break out in a rash.
Common symptoms of respiratory allergies include:
- Itchy eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Rash
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Swollen, watery eyes
- Cough
Left untreated, allergies can cause chronic problems like postnasal drip and regular headaches as well as upper respiratory infections.
How are allergies diagnosed?
Felipe J. Martinez MD carries out tests to identify what’s causing your allergy.
Skin test
The skin test is also called the skin prick or scratch test and involves introducing minute quantities of potential allergens into your body via tiny scratches on your skin. The skin test occurs in the office and takes about 30 minutes, and the results are immediate.
True test
The true test is a patch test that involves two visits to Felipe J. Martinez MD. During the first visit, your provider places patches on your back that contain sample allergens and attaches them with hypoallergenic surgical tape. You go home and leave the patches on for 48 hours before returning to the office to have them taken off and the results examined.
How are allergies treated?
Once Felipe J. Martinez MD knows the cause of your allergy, they can work on creating a treatment plan that reduces your symptoms and enables you to live life to the fullest.
Simple approaches like avoiding known allergens and using medications are often effective in resolving allergy symptoms. However, you might need other treatments if these initial approaches don’t provide sufficient relief. Specialist treatments available at Felipe J. Martinez MD include:
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option that aims to reinforce your immunity to whatever is causing your allergy. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, are particularly useful for chronic problems such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.
Submucous resection of turbinates
Turbinates, which are also known as nasal conchae, are networks of blood vessels, bones, and tissues that form shell shapes inside your nose. The turbinates are what warm and humidify the air you breathe and filter out any particles or pollutants.
Submucous resection of the turbinates reduces their size to prevent them from blocking airflow through your nasal passageways. Felipe J. Martinez MD can carry out this procedure in-office to relieve congestion, and it can also help if you have a deviated septum.
If you're having problems with respiratory allergies, call Felipe J. Martinez MD today or book an appointment online.
