Effective Allergy Testing in the Fort Worth, Texas Area
Tailored Treatment Plans to Alleviate Your Symptoms
Millions of Americans of all ages suffer from allergies. Allergies are caused by the body’s immune system reacting strongly (usually adversely) to something you’ve inhaled, eaten, or touched. Although over-the-counter prescription-strength medications and antihistamines are available, many don’t offer long-term allergy relief. You may need to visit an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to eliminate your symptoms. ENT Expert Care offers allergy testing at our Fort Worth, TX office. During your exam, we’ll determine what’s causing your discomfort and tailor a treatment plan to relieve those irritating symptoms. Learn more about how we can help when you schedule an appointment.
What Are Allergies? What Are the Most Common Allergies?
Allergies are your body’s immune response to foreign substances. Most allergens are harmless under normal circumstances. However, when you have an allergy, your immune system is oversensitive to a specific substance and launches a response, causing an allergic reaction. Allergies may be seasonal (occurring roughly the same time every year) or perennial (affecting you year-round). The environment or genetics can cause them, and they often pop up unexpectedly upon contact.
When you visit Expert ENT Care for allergy testing, you’ll work with an experienced team dedicated to understanding your symptoms and identifying potential triggers to help you avoid exposure. While most allergies cannot be cured, we can devise a treatment plan to improve your quality of life and ease your suffering. Our physician, Dr. John L. Fewins, MD, FACS, will perform a complete allergy evaluation to help you find long-term relief. Some of the most common allergies we diagnose and treat include:
- Pollen (hay fever)
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Insect stings (such as bee stings)
- Foods (such as peanuts, milk, or soy)
- Medications (such as penicillin)
How Do You Know If You Have an Allergy?
Allergic reactions can vary by the individual and specific allergen. The most common allergy symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Skin rashes or hives
- Sneezing and coughing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
Severe allergy cases can also cause a life-threatening emergency called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. During anaphylaxis, an individual may go into shock when their immune system releases a flood of chemicals. Anaphylaxis usually occurs within seconds or minutes. Anaphylaxis symptoms may include a fast or weak pulse, decreased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, a skin rash, nausea, and vomiting. If anaphylaxis isn’t treated quickly, it can be fatal.
How Does an ENT Specialist Test for Allergies?
Wondering “how do you test for allergies?” There are various allergy tests, but ENT specialists usually prefer skin and blood tests. Small amounts of potential allergens are pricked or scratched onto the skin during a skin or patch test. If an allergic reaction occurs, you’re sensitive to that allergen. On the other hand, blood tests measure the number of antibodies in the blood produced in response to an allergen. This type of test may be used if a skin test isn’t feasible or if the individual has a severe skin condition that could interfere with the accuracy of the results.
How Does an ENT Specialist Treat Allergies?
In some cases, allergies may improve or disappear over time on their own. However, most do not. Allergy testing helps us determine the best course of treatment for managing your allergies. Avoiding contact with known allergens is the simplest prevention and treatment method, but it isn’t always possible. Medications such as antihistamines or decongestants may alleviate your symptoms. You could also maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to boost your immune system or invest in air filters and purifiers to rid your home of potential allergens such as dust or mold.
When you visit ENT Expert Care, we will likely suggest one of two alternative allergy treatment options – allergy shots or allergy drops:
- Allergy Shots – Allergen immunotherapy can help the body become less allergic to certain substances over time. During an allergy shot, we inject you with the substance you’re allergic to in gradually increasing dosages.
- Allergy Drops – Sublingual immunotherapy refers to allergy drops being placed under the tongue each day. Your tongue’s cells absorb the medication inside the drops to deliver it to your immune system more quickly and effectively than other over-the-counter medications.
Do You Have Questions About Allergies? We’ve Got Answers!
Working closely with an ENT specialist or allergy doctor is essential for effectively managing your allergy symptoms. Early detection and proper management can significantly improve your quality of life. If you have any allergy testing concerns or questions in the Fort Worth area, Expert ENT Care is here to help. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re committed to helping you find the long-term allergy relief you deserve for a happy, healthy life. View our patient resources to prepare for your visit.