An allergy is an exaggerated response from your immune system to a normally harmless substance. Common allergens (the name given to these trigger substances) include pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, food and chemicals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our ENT specialists can help you find relief. We offer allergy testing and proven treatment plans to ease your seasonal or year-round suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allergies can affect people of all ages, races and lifestyles. They are most common in children, but can occur at any age. There does appear to be a genetic predisposition toward developing allergies; a child who has a parent suffering from allergies is more likely to experience them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allergies are the result of the immune system responding in an over protective manner to a harmless substance. When an allergen is encountered, antibodies \u2013 proteins designed to protect against foreign invaders \u2013 are produced. These trigger the release of chemicals called histamines, which are responsible for the telltale symptoms of allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Certain types of allergies can be prevented by avoiding contact with the allergen, but the first step in prevention is to identify what type of allergen you are allergic to. The most common allergy types are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allergies may be seasonal or occur year-round. Hay fever caused by pollen from grasses, trees and weeds is the most common seasonal allergy. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common year-round allergens that produce the same symptoms include mold, dust mites, pet dander, environmental irritants like smog or smoke, medications and chemicals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allergies can be treated through prevention, medication or immunotherapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n