| The Allergy Clinic Specialists in Allergy & Asthma Care |
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What is an allergy?
An allergy is an abnormal reaction to a normal element. Hundreds of ordinary substances can trigger an
allergic reaction. These are referred to as "allergens." By taking a careful history, performing a complete
allergy-directed physical examination and by skin testing, The Allergy Clinic can help pinpoint what causes
your allergy symptoms.
What about asthma?
Asthma is not really a "disease" but a syndrome that may be caused by various triggers, including sinus
infections, colds, exercise, aspirin, insects and allergens. Symptoms include a tight feeling in the chest or a
cough, shortness of breath or wheezing. Allergy plays a significant role in asthma. Indeed it is probably
allergies bothering the breathing tubes.
The human body is uniquely equipped to fight off invasions from germs. However, sometimes our bodies
think a simple allergen is a germ, which sets off an aggressive (but unnecessary) defense. That's when you
start sneezing, wheezing or developing some other allergic reaction. Although anyone can develop an
allergy, the tendency toward allergies and asthma is linked to heredity.
What are some of the most common causes of allergies?
Most common allergies are caused by dust mites the microscopic organisms found in household dust; pollen
or mold spores, which typically results in what is commonly called hay fever; and animal dander - cats more
often than dogs.
Am I likely to have food allergies?
The good news is that only about two percent of the population is affected by true food allergies. The bad
news is that if you're one of them, it's no fun. However, unlike pollen and dust, the foods you're allergic to
are more easily avoided once you know which foods give you trouble.
What can I do to prevent an allergic reaction?
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid whatever you are allergic to. Realistically, this isn't always
possible, especially if you're allergic to such common things as pollen and dust mites. The Allergy Clinic can
help devise an avoidance strategy to minimize your exposure to allergens. Certain medications, along with
allergy shots, also help prevent allergic reactions.
An allergy is an abnormal reaction to a normal element. Hundreds of ordinary substances can trigger an
allergic reaction. These are referred to as "allergens." By taking a careful history, performing a complete
allergy-directed physical examination and by skin testing, The Allergy Clinic can help pinpoint what causes
your allergy symptoms.
What about asthma?
Asthma is not really a "disease" but a syndrome that may be caused by various triggers, including sinus
infections, colds, exercise, aspirin, insects and allergens. Symptoms include a tight feeling in the chest or a
cough, shortness of breath or wheezing. Allergy plays a significant role in asthma. Indeed it is probably
allergies bothering the breathing tubes.
The human body is uniquely equipped to fight off invasions from germs. However, sometimes our bodies
think a simple allergen is a germ, which sets off an aggressive (but unnecessary) defense. That's when you
start sneezing, wheezing or developing some other allergic reaction. Although anyone can develop an
allergy, the tendency toward allergies and asthma is linked to heredity.
What are some of the most common causes of allergies?
Most common allergies are caused by dust mites the microscopic organisms found in household dust; pollen
or mold spores, which typically results in what is commonly called hay fever; and animal dander - cats more
often than dogs.
Am I likely to have food allergies?
The good news is that only about two percent of the population is affected by true food allergies. The bad
news is that if you're one of them, it's no fun. However, unlike pollen and dust, the foods you're allergic to
are more easily avoided once you know which foods give you trouble.
What can I do to prevent an allergic reaction?
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid whatever you are allergic to. Realistically, this isn't always
possible, especially if you're allergic to such common things as pollen and dust mites. The Allergy Clinic can
help devise an avoidance strategy to minimize your exposure to allergens. Certain medications, along with
allergy shots, also help prevent allergic reactions.