Living with allergies can feel like living with only one eye open. Allergies can cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms that can disrupt your life and peace. Some people are able to take over the counter antihistamines to feel better. However, most people need further treatment to get long-term relief from allergy symptoms. If you have allergies, you should see a physician who specializes in allergies. This physician is called an allergy doctor or an allergist.
Allergists are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergies. There are many benefits to seeing an allergist. An allergist can perform tests to determine the exact causes of your allergies and recommend effective treatments to address your symptoms. Here are some of the conditions allergists commonly treat:
Hay Fever
Also called allergic rhinitis, hay fever causes symptoms like stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy eyes, ears, and nose. Hay fever usually occurs during spring, summer, and fall, when there is an increase in pollen count in the air. However, it can also be perennial, meaning it stays around all year long. Other triggers of hay fever include mold spores, fungi, dust, and pet dander. Treatment for hay fever includes nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestants. You may also be prescribed cromolyn sodium eye drops, nasal ipratropium nasal spray, and oral corticosteroids. If your triggers are pollen, your allergist may recommend staying indoors on days with particularly high pollen counts.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies, such as contact dermatitis, eczema, and hives, happen when your body’s immune system reacts when it comes into contact with a trigger. Common culprits of skin allergies include gluten ingestion, chemicals, dry air, harsh ingredients in beauty and bath products, pet dander and saliva, insect bites, and stress.
Skin allergies present themselves on the skin and can be alarming to look at. They often appear in the form of raised and itchy skin, cracked and scaly skin, and skin bumps. However, skin allergies are often not life-threatening and disappear within hours after treatment. Avoiding triggers, applying topical corticosteroids, taking antihistamines, and keeping skin moisturized usually work well for skin allergies.
Asthma
Asthma can be triggered by allergies, which is why allergists often treat patients with both conditions. Allergic asthma refers to asthma that gets triggered when you come into contact with something you are allergic to. Asthma triggers can include pollen, smoke, dust, and cold air. Asthma causes swelling and inflammation in your airways. Symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Treatments include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and quick-relief medications.
Allergy Treatment in Denton and Frisco, Texas
If you are looking for relief from allergies, it’s important to have an experienced and caring physician to help you. Dr. Rani Anbarasu of Star Medical Associates is happy to provide you with the highest quality care for your allergy needs.
To schedule a consultation, call Star Medical Associates at (940) 382-6900 for Denton and (469) 301-2300 for Frisco or request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you find relief!
