Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to harmless substances as if they were threats. These substances, known as allergens, include pollen, pet dander, certain foods, and medications.
Allergies
Manage your allergy symptoms and prevent severe allergic reactions with the right care. At Altais, our care champions connect you to a network of board-certified physicians, including allergists and immunologists, to provide personalized, human-centered support.
What Are Allergies?
Common Causes of Allergic Reactions
- Seasonal allergens: Pollen, grass, and mold spores.
- Environmental triggers: Dust mites, pet dander, and household chemicals.
- Foods: Peanuts, shellfish, and dairy products.
- Medications: Penicillin and other antibiotics.
- Insect stings: Bee and wasp venom.
Who Is Most at Risk for Allergies?
Anyone can develop allergies, but certain factors increase your risk.
- Family history: A genetic predisposition to allergic conditions.
- Age: Children are more prone to allergies, though they can develop at any age.
- Environment: Frequent exposure to allergens or pollutants.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Allergic reactions can range from mild irritation to severe, life-threatening responses. Understanding allergy symptoms is key to managing them effectively.
Seasonal and Environmental Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing and runny nose.
- Itchy or watery eyes.
- Congestion and sinus pressure.
Food, Drug, and Insect Allergies
- Skin reactions like hives or swelling.
- Digestive discomfort, including nausea or vomiting.
- Respiratory issues such as wheezing.
Signs of Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Rapid heartbeat or drop in blood pressure.
- Loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis and When to See a Doctor
Diagnosing allergies is the first step toward effective management. Recognizing when medical attention is necessary ensures you receive the care you need when you need it.
How Allergies Are Diagnosed
Allergy testing helps identify specific triggers, enabling personalized treatment plans. Allergies are diagnosed through the following mechanisms:
- Skin prick tests: Identifying reactions to specific allergens.
- Blood tests: Measuring allergen-specific antibodies.
- Detailed medical history: Understanding your symptoms and triggers.
When Symptoms Require Medical Attention
Seek medical care if you experience the following:
- Symptoms remain despite over-the-counter treatments.
- You have severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
- Allergies inhibit normal activities or prevent sleep.
Allergy Treatment Options at Altais
Managing allergies is a team effort. At Altais, we provide comprehensive, personalized allergy care.
Lifestyle Changes and Allergen Avoidance
Allergy treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future reactions. Our experts guide you in identifying and minimizing exposure to allergens, such as using air purifiers or adjusting your diet.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications
From antihistamines to nasal sprays, we ensure you have access to effective treatments that alleviate symptoms.
Emergency Treatment for Severe Reactions
For severe allergies, we provide access to epinephrine auto-injectors and emergency care plans to keep you safe.
Preventing Future Allergic Reactions
Preventing future allergic reactions starts with understanding your unique triggers and how they affect your health. With the right care plan, you can take control of your allergies.
Identifying and Managing Triggers
Understanding your triggers is the first step to prevention. Our care champions help you develop strategies to avoid allergens in your environment.
When to Consider Specialist Referral or Allergy Testing
If symptoms persist or worsen, we connect you to allergists and immunologists for advanced testing and treatment.
Why Choose Altais for Allergy Care
At Altais, we focus on understanding your specific needs and providing individualized care for a variety of medical conditions. Our coordinated approach simplifies allergy management.
Personalized, Whole-Person Support
We focus on offering tailored care plans that address your specific allergies and lifestyle.
Easy Access to Ongoing Allergy Management
Our coordinated care program ensures seamless communication between your care team, streamlining follow-ups and treatment adjustments.
With Altais, you’re never alone in managing your allergies. Schedule a consultation today to start your journey toward better health and fewer worries.