More than 67 million Americans suffer from Allergies. Are you one of them?

If you experience runny nose, watery eyes, cold-like symptoms, chest congestion, wheezing, headaches, fatigue, hives, itchy eyes, nose, ears or throat or asthma attack, chances are you have allergies.

If your symptoms continue for more than two weeks, seem to be seasonal or are provoked by exposure to something particular, call us at (323) 938-ALPS or (323) 954-1788 and let us start helping you today

What are Allergies?

Allergies are your immune system working on overdrive, expressing an extreme sensitivity to certain foreign substances (allergens) such as:

    * Dust mites in your home.
    * Proteins from furry pets’ skin secretions, found in dander, saliva or urine.
    * Mold
    * Tree, grass or weed pollen
    * Venom from bees, yellow jackets, fire ants, or wasps
    * Food
    * Latex
    * Drugs, such as penicillin

What are the symptoms?

Generally, inhaled allergens, such as dust mites, trees, grass or weed pollens, will produce respiratory symptoms; and ingested allergens, from food and drugs, will produce skin and/or gastrointestinal symptoms.

What is Allergy Testing?

Allergy tests are designed to determine exactly what you are allergic to so that our doctors can provide the best treatment.

To determine what triggers your allergies, our allergist will safely and effectively test your skin using tiny amounts of commonly troublesome allergens. If you have an allergy, a spot will form at the test site on your skin, causing it to swell and itch a bit. A dime-size hive might form. (Skin reaction usually disappears within 30 minutes.)

Testing usually lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. This includes about 15 minutes to apply the skin test and about 15-20 minutes to await the results. Adults and children of any age can be tested for allergies.

Some medications, antihistamines in particular, can interfere with skin testing and therefore should not be taken for several days prior to your skin testing appointment.

We also offer treatment for people who are looking for ways to quit smoking.

Can I be treated?

Based on the results of your skin test and your medical history, our allergist will be able to formulate a plan to help alleviate your symptoms. Our allergist might suggest limiting your exposure to your specific allergen and/or installing HEPA air purifier. You might be prescribed over-the-counter medication, prescription drugs, or our allergy shot therapy (immunotherapy) to increase your tolerance to your specific allergens. This is the beauty of allergy testing and treatment.

Call us to schedule your test and take the first step to feeling better.

Allergy facts or fiction?  Quiz yourself.

1.  Allergies can be life threatening.

a.   True
b.   False

2.  Short-haired pets do not cause allergies.

a.   True
b.   False

3.  Intentionally exposing yourself to an allergen can cure allergies.

a.   True
b.   False

4.  Allergy Symptoms include:

a.   Itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea
b.   Rash, dark circles under or around the eyes, fatigue, coughing
c.   Asthma, depression, sleep difficulties, wheezing
d.   All of the above

5.  Diagnosing allergies involves allergy skin testing.

a.   True
b.   False

6.  Treatments for allergies include

a.   Allergy medication prescribed by your doctor.
b.   Avoidance of cigarette use in the home, frequent hand washing.
c.   Allergy shots to desensitize you to certain allergies.
d.   All of the above.

Check your Answers:

1.  True: Some allergies especially to food, drugs, latex, and insect venom can trigger an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis which causes constriction of your airways and a rapid decrease in blood      pressure.

2.  False:  It is not an animal’s hair that causes allergies, so the length of hair does not matter.  Pets produce allergenic skin flakes (dander), saliva, urine and skin oils.

3.  False: Repeated exposure to a substance you are allergic to will not increase your tolerance for it or eliminate your allergy.  It only makes your allergy symptoms worse.

4.   All of the above: If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be having an allergic reaction to something.  You should see your physician or an allergy specialist.

5.  True:  During skin testing, your skin is exposed to allergy-causing substances and then is observed for signs of an allergic reaction. Skin testing is widely used to diagnose allergic conditions and it is safe for people of all ages including infants and older adults.  However, your doctor may advise against skin testing if you take medications that interfere with test results, have a severe skin disease, or are highly sensitive to suspected allergens.

6.  All of the above: If current allergy medication is not working as well as you would like, if avoiding allergens is not possible, and if your symptoms are severe, you may want to start monthly allergy shots (allergy vaccines) to increase your tolerance to allergens. You should talk to an allergy specialist to decide what would be the best treatment for your condition.

For more information related to allergies