What are Environmental Allergies?
Environmental allergies, often referred to as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are immune system responses to substances in the environment that are typically harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander.
When individuals with environmental allergies come into contact with these allergens, their immune system identifies them as threats and releases histamines and other chemicals, leading to allergy symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing
- Skin rashes
Environmental allergies are common and can be seasonal (such as pollen allergies in the spring) or perennial (occurring year-round, often due to indoor allergens). Management typically involves allergen avoidance, medication, or allergen immunotherapy to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
How Can Laguna Allergy Medical Boutique Help?
At our practice in Aliso Viejo, our board certified allergists provide:
What is Allergen Immunotherapy?
Allergen immunotherapy involves gradual exposure to increasing doses of specific allergens, such as pollen or dust mites, to desensitize the immune system’s hyperactive response. Over time, this process helps reduce the severity of allergy symptoms and can even lead to long-term symptom relief.
What is Blood Allergy Testing?
Blood allergy testing measures the levels of specific antibodies (IgE) in the bloodstream that are produced in response to allergens like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander. This testing helps pinpoint the precise substances responsible for a patient’s symptoms. The board certified allergists at Laguna Allergy will be able to identify the specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
What is Skin Prick Testing?
By identifying specific allergens through the skin prick test, our providers can pinpoint the triggers for you or your child’s environmental allergies. Using this information, we can create tailored treatment plans, including allergen avoidance strategies and appropriate medications or allergen immunotherapy. Our goal is to help manage and alleviate allergy symptoms more effectively.
Schedule Care for Environmental Allergies in Aliso Viejo, CA
Laguna Allergy Medical Boutique, led by Drs. Gillian Bassirpour and Kristen Walters, board certified allergists and devoted mothers, is dedicated to delivering top-tier healthcare to individuals of all ages. Along with our wide-ranging services, our boutique offers a retail experience, featuring products like childrens’ books about allergies and more! To discover how Laguna Allergy can assist with environmental allergies, kindly click the appointment button below or reach out to us at 949-287-4900.
