Allergies are your body’s way of fighting off what it perceives as a threat. When a substance that is normally harmless triggers an immune system response, antibodies are produced in the blood and tissues to attack the allergen. Chemicals called histamines flood the bloodstream, causing inflammation of the tissues and blood vessels, and a variety of symptoms that include itchiness, watery eyes, and runny nose. While allergies represent an abnormal immune system response, they are quite common in the population as a whole, affecting more than 50 million Americans. If you suffer from allergies caused by pollen, molds, animal dander, smoke, dust mites, or other irritants, rest assured: there may not be a cure, but plenty of treatments are available to reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you to lead a normal, healthy life.
Allergies
Allergies are caused by your body’s immune system misinterpreting normal environmental factors as threats—such as dander, pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, and certain foods. For those Americans who experience allergies every year—an estimated 1 in 5 people—there is always the hope that they can find sustainable relief from the sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and watery, itchy…
Read MoreAllergy Shots
Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies. How Do Allergy Shots Work? Allergy shots work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to…
Read MoreAllergy Testing
The only way to treat your allergy symptoms is to determine exactly what is causing them. This is done through a series of allergy tests. What Is a Skin Prick Test? A skin prick test is the most common form of allergy testing. This test involves placing a small drop of an allergen extract on…
Read MoreCall Central Plains ENT & Audiology at (402) 502-6970 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
