Introduction
There are many allergy treatment options available in Philadelphia, PA. But not all of them work as well as others.
n this post, we will look at the top allergy treatments available in the area. We will also compare each option based on effectiveness, safety, cost, and convenience.
We will also cover how to find the best allergy treatment in Philadelphia, PA.
What is Immunology?
Immunology is the study of the human immune system. It deals with the interaction of the immune system with the environment.
It is important for people who suffer from allergies to understand immunology because it helps us understand why some people get allergies while others do not.
In addition to understanding what causes allergies, it is also important to know about the different types of allergies. There are two main types of allergies: IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated.
IgE Mediated Allergies
These are the most common types of allergies. They occur when the immune system reacts to specific antigens. The antigens are usually found in foods, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, insect stings, latex, medications, and cosmetics.
Non-IgE Mediated
This type of allergy occurs when there is no known allergen involved. In this case, the immune system responds to a chemical irritant.
Why Do Allergies Occur?
An allergy is a condition where the immune system overreacts to something harmless. This results in an inflammatory response in the affected tissue. This means that the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues instead of attacking harmful substances like bacteria and viruses.
The most common type of allergy is caused by a reaction between your immune system and certain proteins present in different foods. These proteins are called allergens. The body’s defense mechanism against these allergens is called an allergic response. This happens when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the allergens. Antibodies are small proteins produced by white blood cells (B cells) in the lymphatic system. When the body encounters an antigen or foreign substance such as food, it produces antibodies that help fight off the antigen.
If you have allergies, then your immune system may produce too many antibodies which cause inflammation in the tissues. Inflammation can cause itching, swelling, redness, and other symptoms.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face, hands, feet, ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Urinary tract infections
Allergy Testing
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose allergies. Some of them are skin testing, blood tests, and oral challenges.
Skin Testing
Skin testing involves placing tiny amounts of various allergens on the surface of the skin. A doctor will use a needle to prick the area and inject the allergen into the skin. Afterward, he or she will look at the area to see if any reactions occur. If so, the person has a positive result.
Blood Tests
A blood test measures the number of antibodies in the bloodstream. Blood samples are taken before and after exposure to the allergen. The difference in antibody levels indicates whether the person had a true allergic reaction.
Oral Challenges
This method involves exposing someone to the suspected allergen through his or her mouth. The person swallows a small dose of the allergen. He or she must stay awake for 30 minutes after swallowing the allergen. During this time, the person should not eat anything. The person also cannot drink liquids until one hour after eating the allergen.
Allergy Treatment and Management
There are two main treatment options for allergies: avoidance and immunotherapy. Avoidance is the best way to treat mild allergies. You can avoid the allergen by avoiding contact with it. For example, if you have hay fever, you can wear a mask while outside. Or, you could try using a nasal spray or eye drops to relieve your symptoms.
Immunotherapy is the only option for treating severe allergies. In this process, the patient gradually builds up a tolerance to the allergen over time. There are three types of immunotherapy: subcutaneous injections, sublingual tablets, and sublingual drops. Subcutaneous injections involve injecting the allergen directly under the skin. With sublingual tablets, the patient takes the tablet orally. And with sublingual drops, the patient puts the drops under his or her tongue.
Preventive Measures
You can take preventive steps to reduce your risk of developing allergies. First, make sure you get enough sleep each night. Second, don’t smoke cigarettes. Third, limit alcohol consumption. Fourth, keep your home clean. Finally, wash your hands frequently.
If you think you may have an allergy, talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent it from getting worse.
How To Find An Allergy Doctor Near Me In Philadelphia PA
Finding an allergy doctor in Philadelphia, PA who understands what causes allergies and treats them effectively is important. However, finding one can be difficult.
In order to find an allergy doctor near me, you need to know what allergies are, their causes, and how they affect people. You should also know about the types of medications used for treating allergies.
