Allergies

What are allergies?

Allergies are very common, affecting one in five Americans. Your immune system protects you from anything that poses a threat to your body. However, sometimes it can be triggered by an invader or an allergen, causing your body to react to substances that are normally harmless.

If you suffer from allergies, a variety of symptoms can occur. The severity of allergy symptoms varies from person to person. Some allergies cause a runny nose where others may cause you to need immediate medical attention.

Whether your condition causes you annoyance and is uncomfortable or causes you serious concern, Patrick W. Hisel, MD, PA, and his team can diagnose and treat your condition.

What are the common types of allergies?

Several types of allergies cause people to suffer.

Common allergens include:

• Weeds
  
• Grass
  
• Trees
  
• Mold
  
• Dust
  
• Cats, dogs, horses
  
• Cockroaches
  
• Dairy
  
• Wheat
  
• Peanuts

You may have other allergies than what this list represents. You may also suffer from seasonal allergies that change in severity depending on the time of year. The team can test you for all types of allergens, based on your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Symptoms from allergies can occur after eating, touching, or inhaling something that causes your body to react.

Symptoms can include:

• Hives
  
• Rashes
  
• Coughing
  
• Sneezing
  
• Runny nose
  
• Swelling of the tongue
  
• Swelling of the eyes
  
• Watery eyes
  
• Itchy eyes
  
• Red eyes
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Headaches
  
• Anaphylaxis

Talk to the team about the struggle you’re experiencing because most symptoms of allergies are manageable. They can diagnose and treat you and help you feel better.

If you have a severe response to an allergen, you should seek medical attention immediately.

How are allergies treated?

Before your allergy treatment begins at the office of Patrick W. Hisel, MD, PA, your provider may perform blood tests and skin tests to diagnose you.

Treatments can include:

• Medications
  
• Nasal spray
  
• Eye drops
  
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
  
• Epinephrine shot

The team specializes in customized treatments they tailor to each patient’s needs. For example, if you have a severe food allergy, the team can prescribe emergency epinephrine shot to carry with you. You can be confident that you get the relief you’re looking for when visiting the office.

If allergies are causing you to suffer, call Patrick W. Hisel, MD, PA, or make an appointment online today for treatment so you can start to walk in wellness and feel like yourself again.

Now seeing New Patients in our Weatherford Clinic. Call us to schedule an appointment.