People can experience environmental allergies from a wide variety of substances. Pollen and pet dander are the most common culprits; molds, dust mites, cats and dogs, cockroaches and rodents are also known to cause allergies.
Symptoms of Environmental Allergies
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and/or mouth
- Nasal congestion
- Red and watery eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
- Coughing and wheezing; asthma
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
Tips for Reducing Allergies in the Home
- Encase pillows and mattresses in dust-mite-proof covers
- Keep doors and windows shut in the morning hours, when pollen counts are the highest
- Install an HVAC filter specifically designed to catch small particles like dust mites, mold and dander; replace on a monthly basis
- Bathe pets regularly — twice a week if possible
- Don’t allow smoking inside the house
Testing and Treatment Options
We offer a variety of testing options. We perform allergy testing in the office using the “scratch test,” finger stick or traditional serum (blood) tests, based on symptoms. This allows us to test for both immediate (IgE) and delayed (IgG) type reactions.
Traditional treatments for allergies include avoidance, medications and immunotherapy. Medications can help alleviate symptoms, but when given to children can cause changes in behavior or alertness. Traditional immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be successful, but requires regular allergy shots to decrease the immune system’s sensitivity to allergens.
At Desert Wellness Center, we offer Naturopathic alternatives to these medications that help to strengthen the immune system, decrease inflammation and do not have the common side effects of the traditional allergy medicines. Homeopathy can also be a useful tool.
We also offer a NO-shot allergy treatment, called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment and is widely used in many countries.
For more on allergy drop treatment click here.
Information gathered from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and Allergy Easy
http://acaai.org/news/facts-statistics/allergies
http://acaai.org/allergies/treatment/sublingual-immunotherapy-slit