Allergies Specialist

What are allergies?

If you have ever experienced a runny nose, teary or red eyes, skin rashes, sneezing, or shortness of breath after being exposed to a specific substance, you may have an allergy. The symptoms of an allergy are caused by your immune system reacting to a substance that is usually not harmful. While your body thinks that it is defending itself, it can lead you to feel very uncomfortable.

There are many different kinds of allergies and many different possible triggers, depending on the individual. Properly diagnosing the trigger to an allergy is the first step in developing a successful treatment program.

What causes allergies?

There is a wide range of substances in the environment that can trigger an allergic reaction. Some common types of allergies include:

• Pet dander
• Food (nuts, shellfish, etc.)
• Pollen

Finding the correct source of your allergy is very important. At the office of Gary E. Goff, MD, the team have extensive experience testing and diagnosing specific allergens.

What is allergy testing?

Some people learn to recognize the trigger to their allergies by simple observation. However, it is not always obvious what the allergen may be, and some people may have more than one trigger.

Fortunately, testing is available at the office of Gary E. Goff, MD, to determine exactly what your allergen may be. The team uses a skin prick test, which is easy to complete and can yield fast results.

What should I expect at my appointment?

Initially, your practitioner conducts a thorough examination and takes a complete health history. You also have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

The allergy skin prick test involves pricking the skin on your back to see which types of allergens you react to. Your provider then sends the results of this grid test to a laboratory for further analysis.

What happens after allergy testing occurs?

Once the laboratory has analyzed the results to your prick test, a series of shots specifically tailored to your needs is developed. You receive these immunotherapy shots in the Gary E. Goff, MD, office. The series of shots will reduce or eliminate your bodies reaction to a specific allergy.

To learn more about how you can get the relief from allergies that you need, call the office of Gary E. Goff, MD, or go online today to schedule your first appointment.