Allergy Care
Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions in the U.S., and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks allergy as the third most common chronic disease among children. Seasonal allergies consisting of reactions like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes to various outdoor, often pollen-related, allergens are common in many areas of the United States.
Allergy symptoms can be caused by an interaction with airborne particles, or allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander, particular foods or medications, or contact with other stimuli. Allergic reactions can range from mild discomfort and symptoms such a runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing or sneezing, to anaphylactic shock or a life-threatening emergency.
Some allergic conditions, especially a food allergy, can cause severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal, often causing symptoms like rashes, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure. The onset of an allergic reaction can happen within minutes or take up to even hours.
If you are experiencing allergy symptoms but are unable to easily figure out what exactly the allergen is, it's important to see an allergist to have an allergy test and seek further treatment such as allergy shots, especially if over-the-counter antihistamines are not always effective.
Whether you suffer from mild or severe allergic reactions, the ENT care team at North Okaloosa Medical Center offer a range of diagnostic and allergy treatment services for symptoms and allergic diseases or conditions such as asthma, including:
- Allergy testing, including blood, skin, nasal and challenge testing
- Allergy shots to help treat allergic reactions and symptoms
- Asthma lung-function testing
- Immunizations
- Immunotherapy, or treatment for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, sinusitis and other immune system and allergic disorders