What's Triggering My Allergies?

It’s September, and that means autumn is almost here. But for about 50 million Americans who struggle with allergies, a new season can mean the start of frustrating allergy symptoms. 

Our providers at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies. We serve patients throughout the Houston area, and we can pinpoint what’s causing your allergies, so you can feel better faster. 

If you suffer from allergies, keep reading to learn what could be triggering your symptoms and how we can help you find relief!

What are allergies?

Allergens are particles or substances that are normally harmless. However, if an immune system is hypersensitive, it can overreact when it comes in contact with any of these substances. 

When an allergen enters the body, the immune system sends out chemicals, called histamines, to fight off the allergen. It’s these histamines that actually cause the allergy symptoms.

Allergy responses, which can vary depending on the allergens, can include:

• Eye symptoms (red, watery, or itchy eyes)
• Nasal symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, post-nasal drip)
• Lung symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath)
• Headaches
• Skin symptoms (itchy skin, swelling, redness)
• General fatigue 

Some people have severe, life-threatening allergic reactions to certain allergens. Called anaphylaxis, this reaction puts the body in shock. It may cause narrowing or swelling in your airways, problems with your pulse, a rash, and even digestive symptoms.  

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical care. Go to the nearest emergency room for medical care if you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis.    

What’s making me feel sick?

People can be allergic to almost anything, such as mold and pollen and even sweat and other body excretions. But most allergies fall into one of these general categories:

Environmental allergies

These involve allergens in your environment, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold.

Food allergies

The most common foods people are allergic to are milk, wheat, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Skin allergies

These involve things people touch, such as latex, certain metals, some chemicals, plants, and dander.

Insect allergies

These involve allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, such as with bees and ants. These allergies can also involve contact with the bodies or waste of cockroaches or dust mites.

It’s important to remember that you can have an allergic reaction to nearly anything. For this reason, if you’re worried about allergies, schedule an appointment with an allergy specialist to help you get to the bottom of what’s making you feel sick. 

How can allergies be treated?

There’s no permanent cure for allergies. But the good news is that by diagnosing the cause of your symptoms, we can help you manage your allergies. We do this by looking at the antibodies you’ve created to fight against the particles you’re allergic to.

At Integrative Primary Care, our providers start your treatment by determining the underlying cause of your allergies. Our in-house laboratory helps analyze your allergy blood test to check for allergies to the most common allergens in the Houston area. We can also use a blood test to diagnose food allergies.

Once we understand your specific allergies, your Integrative Primary Care provider creates a personalized allergy treatment plan to help reduce the effects of your allergies on your daily life. Your plan may include:

• Making lifestyle/environmental changes to avoid allergy triggers
• Prescription oral medications
• Nonprescription antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroids
• Steroid ointments or creams
• Epinephrine pen (for severe allergies) 

To get to the bottom of your allergy symptoms, call 832-500-7585 or book an appointment online with Integrative Primary Care today.