If you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to a substance you’ve come in contact with, such as an environmental allergen (trees, pollens, molds), a chemical, a medication taken, or food eaten or touched.Your immune system controls how your body defends itself. For instance, if you have an allergy to pollen, your immune system identifies pollen as an invader, or “allergen”. Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, such as histamine, causing an allergic reaction. These reactions can range from hives, sneezing and sniffling, and stomach discomfort, to even a life-threatening response called anaphylaxis. So how can you be sure which allergens are responsible for your symptoms? Your doctor may recommend allergy tests in Los Angeles, along with a physical examination and medical history review. Then they can give you precise information about what you can eat and what foods or allergens you should avoid.
Ruling out certain allergens can sometimes be just as relevant as identifying reactive allergens. For instance, if somebody in your family has symptoms and you suspect it might be a reaction to the family pet, allergy testing may be able to rule out pet dander, and identify a different allergen, such as dust mites, instead. Many people with untreated symptoms aren’t aware of how much better they will feel once their symptoms are properly diagnosed and managed by their doctor.
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Different allergens bother different people, so your allergist will determine which test is the best for you. Regardless of the type of test, an allergist will first perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms to determine if allergy testing is warranted. Testing done by an allergist is generally safe and effective for adults and children of all ages. The allergen extracts or vaccines used in allergy tests performed by allergists meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.
Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. A food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms, so people often confuse the two.
Learn More about Food Intolerance Testing at Westside Head & Neck.
It is important that allergy testing is directed by a healthcare professional, or ENT doctor in Los Angeles with sufficient allergy/immunology training and prompted by your medical history.
Immunotherapy is a preventive treatment for allergic reactions to substances such as grass pollens, house dust mites and bee venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, probably by causing production of a “blocking” antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future. Immunotherapy also reduces the inflammation that characterizes rhinitis and asthma.
Read more about Allergy Immunotherapy Here. You can also find additional information from our articles below.
Does Medicare Cover Allergy Shots?
Most patients rely on frequent allergy shots to combat chronic immune reactions against environmental irritants. Adults and children can develop allergies at any time. While minor allergens can be treated with simple treatment, a doctor may recommend allergy shots for more severe cases. If you qualify for Medicare, you might be wondering what care your insurance might cover and how much you will be expected to pay out of pocket. Insurance options include:
The price of allergy shots may vary depending on your coverage plan and incidental costs. Without insurance, it can cost between $1,000 and $4,000 annually. You can refer to this article for a better understanding of Medicare for this treatment.
Can Allergies Raise Your Temperature and Cause A Fever?
A healthy immune system is a protective barrier that prevents antigens, like bacteria and viruses, from attacking one’s body. A strong immune system is generally achieved by proper diet and exercise. When the barrier is weakened, you are prone to frequent infections with severe symptoms. It is uncommon for fevers to happen because of environmental allergens. However, those with severe nasal congestions (sinusitis) might experience this side effect, as your immune system reacts to a higher influx of bacteria. Sinus inflammation, referred to as sinusitis, is associated with fever. It can last for a few days and require antimicrobial treatment. At Westside Head & Neck we offer immunotherapy to help manage the severity of symptoms. Read on for more information regarding management and risks associated with fevers.
Environmental Allergy Mitigation Instructions
More than 50 million Americans have experienced various types of allergies annually, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Similarly, allergies have been the leading cause of chronic illness when it attacks the immune system. Allergy is a condition, often inherited, in which the immune system of the affected person reacts to something that is inhaled, eaten, or touched. The patient’s immune system reacts as if it were an “enemy invader” (like a virus). This reaction leads to symptoms that often adversely affect you. In this article, we break down common allergens like pollen, mold dust mites, and animal dander. We also walk you through an environmental control checklist to keep allergies at bay in your home or at work.