Allergies in Allentown PA are always problematic. They can cause an itchy nose, throat, and ears. They can also cause bloody noses because of the itchiness that leads to scratching. Some allergies cause a topical reaction, such as hives or even anaphylactic shock.
While there are many over-the-counter allergy medicines, not all of them work for every allergen. This means someone could be taking a pill that doesn’t actually reduce or eliminate their symptoms. Some allergies can’t be treated with over-the-counter medications at all. Before someone decides they have allergies, they should speak with a doctor.
Determining the Allergy
Because there are so many things a person can be allergic to, the best way to provide the right treatment is to determine what a person actually is allergic too. The most common way to do this is by using a scratch test. This is a test where a small scratch is put on the skin. After this, a technician or the doctor will place a common allergen on the scratch. This could be pollen, nut extract, strawberry juice, and so on. If the skin reacts within 15 minutes, an allergy exists.
While a blood test can be used, there is an issue with this method. In about 50% of tests, the person tests positive for an allergen they aren’t actually sensitive to. While it doesn’t really harm someone to avoid something that they might be allergic to, to prescribe a medication, a more accurate test is needed.
Treating Allergies
Treatment for Allergies in Allentown PA has come a long way. There was once a time when only a prescription medicine could be used. Now, most allergy medications can be purchased off the shelf. However, severe allergies may not respond to over-the-counter medications, in which case a prescription will be used. In severe cases, a daily shot may be required. For food allergies, the patient avoids the foods and carries epinephrine in case of exposure.
Getting the right treatment is important for controlling the symptoms of allergies. While there are no cures, doctors can provide effective medications to reduce or completely eliminate symptoms. If you’re experiencing allergies and you’re finding over-the-counter medications to be ineffective, you might want to visit us to schedule an appointment with a specialist.
