More than 40% of women and men in the United States have some kind of allergy. Common allergies include those related to pollen, animals, insects, or food. Even if you never had allergies before, you might find yourself developing sensitivities and symptoms as you age.
At the Low Testosterone & Weight Loss Center, located in Allen, Texas, our experts offer allergy testing so that you get the answers and symptom relief you need. Allergens are so pervasive that it can be next to impossible to identify them on your own.
Is it something you ate?
Food allergies are on the rise in countries in the Western hemisphere. Among children, hospitalizations for anaphylaxis — an extreme, life-threatening reaction to allergens, including foods — doubled in a 9-year period.
Over time, you may develop sensitivities to the foods that you eat. Keeping a food diary may help you identify foods that trigger sensitivity.
However, an allergy is more than just a sensitivity. Food sensitivities may cause gastrointestinal distress. Food allergies can create symptoms such as:
- Tingling mouth, lips, or tongue
- Hives
- Swollen lips or tongue
- Swollen face or throat
A food allergy can also trigger a potentially deadly anaphylactic reaction, which may shut down your airway, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. Anaphylaxis can also make you vomit, feel dizzy or weak, and lose consciousness.
Is it something you touched?
Atopic dermatitis is a skin reaction when you contact an allergen, such as wool, latex, or chemicals in hair care or skin care products. Typical symptoms include a rash, itchy skin, or reddened and peeling skin.
Is it something that touched you?
Insect bites and stings can potentially cause anaphylaxis. If you’re allergic, you might also experience symptoms such as:
- Full-body hives or itching
- Swelling at the site of a sting
- Coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
If you’re allergic to bees or other insects, you may need to carry epinephrine pens to prevent anaphylaxis.
Is it something you breathed?
Tree and flower pollen, animal dander, and dust are some of the most common airborne allergens. You may be allergic to something in the air if you:
- Sneeze
- Have itchy, watery eyes
- Have a runny or stuffy nose
- Have an itchy mouth or nose
If you’re allergic to pollen, dander, or dust, you may need to use air conditioning instead of opening windows, vacuum frequently, and shower or change clothes after an exposure.
The first step to treating allergies is finding out what substances you’re allergic to through in-depth testing. We conduct both skin tests and blood tests for allergies. Treatment is based on your needs.
Find out if allergies are causing your symptoms with allergy testing, and get the treatment you need to feel better. Call us today at 469-912-2113 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.