Allergy Specialist
Did you know that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies? Left unmanaged, allergies can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and increase your risk of developing more serious health problems. At Simi Doctors Medical in Simi Valley, California, the skilled medical team has decades of experience diagnosing and treating food allergies, seasonal allergies, and asthma. To request your consultation, call the office, or use the online booking tool today.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is a hypersensitive response from your immune system to a foreign substance that enters or comes in contact with your body. Common allergens include food, pollen, mold, pet dander, latex, and certain prescription medications.
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When you have an allergy, your immune system produces antibodies that identify that particular allergen as harmful. If you come in contact with an allergen, your body reacts, causing noticeable symptoms that inflame your sinuses, skin, or respiratory system.
The severity of allergic reactions varies from person to person. Some people with allergies experience only minor irritation, while others experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergen.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
The symptoms of allergies depend on the allergens your immune system overreacts to. That said, common telltale signs of allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itching, watery eyes
- Hives
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Facial swelling
If you have a food allergy, you might also experience an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
What are some common allergy triggers?
Allergies occur when your body’s immune system identifies a harmless substance as a dangerous invader. Common allergy triggers include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Medications
- Certain foods
- Insect bites
Some people also suffer from contact allergies. For example, if you have a contact allergy and touch latex or certain types of metal, your skin might break out, itch, or sting.
Health is a
precious gift and prevention
is the best medicine
Health is a
precious gift and prevention
is the best medicineHow are allergies diagnosed?
To diagnose allergies, your Simi Doctors Medical provider asks you questions about your symptoms, does a physical exam, and asks you to keep a diary of the foods you eat and other possible triggers. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might also order a skin test or blood test to pinpoint the source of your discomfort more accurately.
How are allergies treated?
If you have severe allergies or your allergies don’t improve with conservative methods of care, your Simi Doctors Medical provider might recommend immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a treatment that involves your doctor injecting a series of purified allergen extracts into your bloodstream.
If an allergy is negatively impacting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to seek treatment at Simi Doctors Medical. Call the office or use the online booking tool today.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
To schedule a consultation for you or your family, call Simi Doctors Medical today or request an appointment online now.
Located in Simi Valley
