No matter what type of allergy you may suffer from, it can be miserable. Simply stated, an allergy is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to harmless substances either in the environment or that have been ingested. These substances are referred to as allergens. The body treats allergens as harmful invaders and tries to defend itself, resulting in symptoms that can range from annoying to significantly debilitating.
Common allergy symptoms include itchy or watery eyes, nasal and sinus congestion, headaches, sneezing, a scratchy throat, and hives. Less common but more serious symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling (particularly in the face, throat, lips, and tongue in cases of food allergies), lightheadedness, dizziness, a rapid drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
At the Atlanta Institute for ENT, we specialize in the management of all types of allergies. Our ear, nose, and throat specialists can evaluate your allergy symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan to fit your particular needs.
We start with a review of your medical history and detailed account of your symptoms and a thorough physical examination, followed by allergy testing. Oftentimes, when people first experience an allergic reaction, they aren’t sure of what caused it. Usually, it takes an episode or two before the cause becomes clear. If it’s not clear what caused the allergy, allergy testing is warranted to determine what is causing the allergic reactions.
To test for allergies, we use a skin test procedure called Intradermal Dilutional Testing. Using very fine needles, small amounts of the test antigen are injected into the upper arm. This results in a series of bumps which resemble mosquito bites. If the bumps increase in size after a short amount of time, this indicates an allergy. Test results will be evaluated in conjunction with your symptoms and response to medications, to confirm your diagnosis and guide your treatment plan.
