If you struggle with itchy or watery eyes, stuffiness, and sneezing because of allergies, turn to Suncoast Medical Group in Houston, Texas. Internist Onyi Agim, MD, and her team offer allergy testing to determine your sensitivities and provide relief. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Allergies are your body’s response to allergens, substances that cause reactions in your body that many other people don’t experience. Common allergens include:
Symptoms of allergies might be mild or severe and life-threatening in some cases. See Dr. Agim and her team if you’re at risk of or experience symptoms of allergies.
Common signs and symptoms linked with allergies include:
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even death when left untreated.
To determine if you have allergies and what you’re reactive to, Dr. Agim reviews your symptoms and medical history. Then, she completes a physical exam to evaluate your eyes, nose, throat, breathing, and more. Standard allergy tests include:
Dr. Agim can prick your skin to expose you to small amounts of potential allergens. If you develop a raised bump at the testing location, chances are you’re allergic to that substance.
Patch testing exposes you to potential allergens by wearing a patch on your skin for a specific time. The way your skin reacts determines which substances, if any, you’re sensitive to.
The Suncoast Medical Group providers may take a sample of blood from your arm and send it to a lab to diagnose allergies or other health conditions.
Depending on the type of allergies you have and how severe they are, Dr. Agim might suggest one of the following treatments:
Avoiding things you’re reactive to, such as certain foods, latex, or pet dander, can reduce unpleasant allergy symptoms.
Taking allergy medicine by mouth, or using eye drops or nasal sprays, can alleviate allergy symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Allergy shots expose you to small amounts of specific allergens over time and help your body build a tolerance and reduce symptoms.
If you have a severe allergy, using emergency epinephrine shots during severe reactions can reduce symptoms until you’re able to get emergency medical treatment.
Don’t live with unpleasant symptoms when allergy testing and treatment can offer you relief. Call the Suncoast Medical Group office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
