Allergies Specialist
Sound Integrated Medical Center
Integrative Medicine & Pain Management located in Federal Way, WA
If you’re one of the more than 50 million Americans who regularly experience allergies, don’t wait to seek professional medical help. Without proper care, allergies can negatively affect your quality of life and general well-being. At Sound Integrated Medical Center in Federal Way, Washington, integrative medicine and pain management specialist Aloysius Fobi, MD, and the caring team regularly diagnose and treat all types of allergies. To schedule your appointment, call the office or book online today.
Allergies Q & A
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your body’s immune system identifies a harmless substance, such as pet dander, pollen, or a type of food, as potentially life-threatening. When this happens, it triggers the production of antibodies.
The increased production of antibodies results in a wide range of uncomfortable side effects, including hives and rashes, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal problems.
Allergies affect everyone differently. For some, they’re a minor annoyance that comes and goes; for others, they trigger a serious reaction called anaphylaxis. Without prompt treatment, anaphylaxis can lead to a lack of consciousness or, in severe instances, death.
Although there’s no cure for allergies, it’s possible to manage your symptoms by avoiding particular triggers.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
The symptoms of allergies vary from person to person and depend on the underlying trigger. Common telltale signs of allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tingling in the mouth
- Hives
- Trouble swallowing
- Cough or chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
If you have allergies, you might also experience dry, flaky skin or itching.
How are allergies diagnosed?
To diagnose allergies, your Sound Integrated Medical Center provider conducts a physical exam and reviews your medical history. Afterward, they ask you questions about your symptoms and your. Your provider might also ask you to keep a daily journal that tracks your activities and potential triggers.
If these measures don’t provide enough information, your provider might recommend a skin prick test or blood test.
During a skin prick test, your Sound Integrated Medical Center provider exposes a small section of your skin to various proteins found in allergens. If your skin becomes red or swollen, it means you’re allergic to a specific substance.
A blood test, also known as a specific IgE blood test, detects the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your blood. The higher your IgE levels, the more likely it is you have allergies.
How are allergies treated?
At Sound Integrated Medical Center, the team brings a modern approach to managing allergies.
Whenever possible, they recommend holistic, integrative measures of care. This usually involves allergy avoidance. By identifying certain triggers, it’s easier to avoid them altogether. This improves your health and prevents allergic reactions from occurring on a regular basis.
If it’s not possible to avoid your triggers entirely, your Sound Integrated Medical Center provider might recommend prescription medications or nutritional supplements to manage your symptoms. Allergy medications come in several forms, including nasal sprays, pills, and eye drops.
To schedule your allergy consultation at Sound Integrated Medical Center, call the office or book online today.
