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Allergies Specialist

ABC Medical Center Our Services Allergies

ABC Medical Center

Family Practice & Diabetes Care located in Dallas Metroplex Area

You don’t need to suffer from the sneezing, itching, irritated eyes, and runny nose caused by allergies. At ABC Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, board-certified family medicine physician Ricardo Martinez, MD, has years of experience helping patients find allergy relief with testing to identify your allergen and effective immunotherapy to diminish symptoms. Whether your allergies are mild or severe you can get help by calling your nearest office or booking an appointment online.

Allergies Q & A

What are the different types of allergies?

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is one of the most common allergies, but there are many types of allergens:

Contact allergens

Many substances can cause a skin reaction, or allergic dermatitis, including poison ivy, soap, latex, and certain chemicals.

Airborne allergens

Pollen from trees, grasses, and ragweed cause seasonal hay fever. Year-round allergic rhinitis is caused by molds and dust mites.

Insect stings

Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants cause most insect allergies.

Medications

Although many medications can cause an allergic reaction, penicillin is the most common.

Food allergies

Food allergies are often associated with children, but they can appear for the first time in adults. The most common food allergens in adults are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

What symptoms occur during an allergic reaction?

Symptoms that develop when you have an allergic reaction include:

  • Runny or congested nose
  • Itchy nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Swollen tongue or face
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Skin rashes, hives, or swelling (insect stings)
  • Stomach upset, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (food allergies)

Talk to the team at ABC Medical Center if you have any of these symptoms.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Before you can receive treatment, your provider at ABC Medical Center needs to identify your specific allergens. Two types of tests are used to diagnose allergies:

Skin tests

During a skin test, your provider places a small amount of your suspected allergens on your skin and gently pricks the area under each allergen. If your skin reacts, you’re allergic to the allergen placed in that spot.

Blood tests

When you have an allergy, your immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). High-than-normal levels of IgE in your blood show you have allergies. Since IgE antibodies are different depending on the substance they react to, this blood test helps narrow down your allergens.

How are allergies treated?

If you have a food allergy, you must eliminate that food from your diet. Otherwise, treatment for other allergies depends on the severity of your reaction.

Mild allergies may be relieved by finding ways to reduce your exposure to the allergen and treated with over-the-counter antihistamines.

Immunotherapy is an effective option for moderate to severe allergies. During immunotherapy, your allergen is introduced into your body either with an injection or using sublingual tablets.

Treatment begins with a very small amount of your allergen. Then, on a regular schedule, the amount is gradually increased. Over time, your body builds up a tolerance to the allergen, which significantly diminishes or eliminates your reaction.

To get relief from allergies, call ABC Medical Center or use online booking to schedule an appointment.

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