Allergies

Allergies are common, affecting more than 50 million people yearly in the United States. At Internists of North Dallas in Irving, Texas, board-certified internal medicine physician Nabila Aslam, MD, diagnoses and treats allergies. Don’t live with sneezing, stuffiness, watery eyes, or allergic skin rashes. Schedule an appointment at Internists of North Dallas by phone or request one online today. 

What are allergies?

Allergies are a chronic condition that develops when your immune system negatively reacts to foreign substances called allergens. Your body mistakenly attacks substances that aren’t actually harmful.

These reactions can affect your airways, digestive system, skin, or sinuses, depending on the type of allergies you have. Symptoms of allergies range from mild to severe, sometimes even life-threatening. Treatment at Internists of North Dallas provides symptom relief. 

Which symptoms can allergies cause?

Allergies can cause the following symptoms and more:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Itching, runny, or stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Rash, hives, or other skin changes
• Dizziness 
• Face, tongue, lip, or throat swelling
• Tingling in your mouth
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that may cause shortness of breath, a sudden drop in blood pressure, going into shock, and even death. 

Asthma commonly accompanies allergies, and Internists of North Dallas helps patients manage both. 

What are examples of common allergens?

Potential allergens that can cause allergic reactions in some people include:

• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pollen
• Some medications, such as penicillin 
• Certain foods: tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, etc.
• Insect stings
• Latex

You might experience allergic reactions to more than one allergen.

The exact cause of allergies isn’t fully clear, but the risk of developing them is higher during childhood and for individuals with asthma and a family history of allergies or asthma. 

How are allergies diagnosed?

Dr. Aslam discusses your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and medications to diagnose allergies and develop an effective treatment plan. She may complete blood testing, skin prick testing, patch testing, or other diagnostic tests to confirm which allergens are causing bothersome symptoms. She also offers lung function tests to screen for asthma. 

How are allergies treated?

Treating allergies depends on the type of allergens you’re allergic to, the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your treatment preferences. Dr. Aslam may suggest you take oral medications, use nasal sprays, or avoid specific allergens. She offers immunotherapy, which involves a series of shots you receive or sublingual tablets placed under your tongue. 

If you have severe allergies causing extreme reactions, Dr. Aslam provides a prescription for an emergency epinephrine pen. You can inject yourself with this shot in the case of a life-threatening reaction. 

Schedule an appointment at Internists of North Dallas by phone or request one online today for symptom relief from allergies and a better quality of life.