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Allergies Specialist

Jacksonville ENT Surgery Our Services Allergies

Jacksonville ENT Surgery

Otolaryngology & Medical Spa located in Jacksonville, FL & Lake City, FL

Allergies affect more than 50 million children and adults in the United States, which makes them the sixth most common chronic disease. At Jacksonville ENT Surgery, Charles Greene, MD, PhD, and Tara Condrey, PA-C, have helped many people get long-lasting relief from allergies. The team provides comprehensive allergy testing and treatment, including advanced options such as sublingual immunotherapy. The practice offers four convenient office locations with three in Jacksonville and one in Lake City, Florida. If you need relief from allergies, book an in-person or telehealth appointment online or call one of the offices today.

Allergies Q & A

Allergies

What causes allergies?

An allergy begins when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance. Then every time you’re exposed to that substance, your immune system triggers a reaction that causes allergy symptoms.

You can develop several types of allergies, including:

  • Seasonal allergies, caused by pollen, mold, and dust mites
  • Contact allergies, caused by poison ivy, latex, and nickel
  • Stinging insect allergies, caused by venom from bees, wasps, and fire ants
  • Food allergies, caused by peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and milk
  • Drug allergies, caused by penicillin, ibuprofen, and aspirin

This list gives you just a few examples of the possible allergens for each type.

What symptoms occur if I have allergies?

The symptoms you experience are associated with the type of allergy. For example, allergens that you breathe in primarily cause problems with your nose and eyes.

As a group, allergies cause:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Congested nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Itchy nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Skin rash
  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Nausea and diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain

Allergies to foods, insect venom, latex, and drugs may cause a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes symptoms that develop quickly, such as difficulty breathing, swelling in your tongue and throat, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Though your symptoms often point toward an allergy, you need allergy testing to verify the diagnosis and identify your specific allergens. 

There are several types of allergy tests, including:

  • Skin prick test
  • Patch test
  • Intradermal test
  • Blood test
  • Challenge tests

Of these, the skin prick test is the most common and usually, the first test used because it produces accurate results in about 15 minutes.

How are allergies treated?

Allergy treatment begins with taking over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms and making a plan to avoid your allergens. If your symptoms don’t improve, or they are already severe, you may need immunotherapy. 

Immunotherapy introduces regular doses of your allergen into your body. As your immune system gets used to the allergen, it stops triggering strong allergic reactions.

The team at Jacksonville ENT Surgery offers sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). If you have allergies to tree pollen, grass, ragweed, cat dander, or dust mites, you may be a good candidate for SLIT. 

This allergy treatment involves placing a dissolvable tablet or a drop of liquid under your tongue. You take SLIT at home, giving yourself the prescribed dose for several years. 

Don’t wait to get relief from your allergies. Call Jacksonville ENT Surgery or schedule an appointment online today.

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