Allergies affect approximately 30-40% of North Americans at some point during their lives, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to hospitalization. Dr. Rahimi diagnoses and treats patients from Garland, Wylie, Plano, Dallas, and Rowlett, Texas with allergies at his Allergy Relief Clinic in Richardson, TX.
An allergy is the body’s hypersensitive immune response to a substance called an allergen. Most allergens are harmless to the majority of people. They can be found in the air (pollen), foods and beverages (nuts or lactose) or in insects or animals (dust mites or pet dander). If a person has an allergy to a substance, their body reacts to that substance as if it was a pathogen and tries to fight it off and destroy it. The most common kind of allergy in the United States is hay fever, although, food allergies are becoming much more common. An acute reaction to an allergen results in anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, a life threatening condition which requires immediate emergency care.
A wide variety of substances provoke allergic reactions in people. Allergens can range from naturally occurring substances including pet dander, mold, insect venom and pollen to manufactured or synthetic materials like drugs or latex. Allergic reactions can affect the skin, sinuses, or eyes and can range in severity from mild discomfort to anaphylaxis. Hay Fever is one of the most common forms of allergy affecting North Americans. Symptoms can affect the eyes and sinuses and it typically occurs in the spring, as plants begin to release their pollen. Allergens can also cause different reactions from person to person. For example, pet dander may cause one person to break out in a rash or hives and another to sneeze and have itchy, watery eyes. If anyone thinks he or she has an allergy, it is in their best interest to seek medical advice for testing and treatment. Allergic reactions can change and become more advanced without warning. It is best to be prepared and manage the allergy before that happens.
Your actions should depend on the severity of the reaction. Contact emergency services if the person shows any of the following symptoms:
For more mild symptoms, a variety of over the counter (OTC) treatments are available including antihistamines for watery eyes or hives, decongestants for stuffy noses, OTC allergy eye drops for itchy watery eyes, and cold compresses or hydrocortisone creams for rashes. A doctor should always be contacted following a new reaction so the person can be tested and treated.
Our practice accepts many different kinds of insurance. For more information or questions about insurance providers, please call our office.