Environmental Allergies Specialist

Environmental allergies involve your immune system’s response to substances in the environment that aren’t usually harmful. Common triggers of environmental allergies include:

• Dust
• Mold
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Insect bites
• Cigarette smoke

Coming into contact with these allergens can trigger a wide range of symptoms, running from mild to severe.

Making contact with an environmental allergen can cause symptoms like:

• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Persistent fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal congestion

If you suffer from contact dermatitis, a rash that develops from contact with allergens, you might experience itchy, inflamed skin that’s dry and flaky.

In some cases, environmental allergies can trigger asthma, a serious condition that inflames your airways, making it hard to breathe.

If these symptoms interfere with your quality of life or your ability to stay active, schedule a consultation at Apex Allergy and Asthma.

Apex Allergy and Asthma offers on-site allergy testing to gather information on what’s triggering your environmental allergies. They order blood work to identify antibodies that your body produces when reacting to an allergen.

The allergy specialists also offer skin prick tests that expose you to known allergens. They prick your skin with small amounts of allergens and monitor your results. If a red welt forms at the test site, you might have an allergy to the substance.

Your treatment plan for environmental allergies can include:

Medications

Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines reduce symptoms of environmental allergies. Some people need to take these medications year-round to prevent severe allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy

Apex Allergy and Asthma also offers immunotherapy (allergy shots). By injecting a small amount of a known allergen into your skin, the allergists gradually reduce your body’s reaction to the substance.

You can also receive sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), a treatment that involves placing small amounts of allergens under your tongue.

Rush immunotherapy provides faster relief from your allergy symptoms. You receive immunotherapy shots on a shorter timeline than traditional immunotherapy.

If you undergo cluster immunotherapy, you’ll receive several allergy injections during each visit to build up your body’s tolerance to known allergens.

Lifestyle changes

You can also benefit from making lifestyle changes that help you avoid airborne allergens like dust and mold. Use indoor air filters to trap these allergens in your home and vacuum often to reduce pet dander, dust mites, and other known environmental allergens.

At the height of allergy season, especially in the spring and fall, stay indoors when pollen counts are high, and be sure to keep your windows closed.

To learn more about available treatments for environmental allergies, call the Apex Allergy and Asthma office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.