Allergies can diminish your quality of life and even be dangerous or life-threatening in some cases. More than 50 million people in the United States have allergies at any given time. If chronic coughing, sneezing, congestion, or watery eyes make you uncomfortable, help is within reach at Premier Primary Care in Union City, Tennessee. The expert medical team provides allergy testing and treatment to offer you symptom relief. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online to learn more.
Allergies Q&A
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What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to specific substances that don’t cause problems in most other people. Antibodies your body produces cause the immune system to release certain chemicals associated with allergic reactions, many of which are unpleasant.
You might be allergic to:
- Foods
- Airborne allergens
- Insect stings
- Latex
- Medications
If you experience symptoms after being exposed to allergens, see the Premier Primary Care team for an evaluation.
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What are the symptoms of allergies?
The following signs and symptoms may indicate you have allergies:
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose or eyes
- Watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Facial swelling
- Cough
- Hives or a rash
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
Allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. Anaphylaxis is sometimes life-threatening because it can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, or even loss of consciousness.
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How are allergies diagnosed?
To diagnose allergies, the team at Premier Primary Care reviews your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms. They complete a physical exam and allergy tests, such as blood or skin prick tests. During a skin test, your provider gently pricks your skin to expose it to small amounts of potential allergens. If you’re allergic to an allergen, your body reacts to it by developing a raised bump, or hive. The Premier Primary Care team provides needle-free allergy testing, using brush-like tips to expose the skin to allergens without discomfort.
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What is the treatment for allergies?
Your personalized allergy treatment plan might include:
Allergy avoidance
Avoiding certain foods, latex, or other known allergens helps you steer clear of unpleasant symptoms associated with allergies.Medications
Taking certain medications can reduce symptoms caused by allergies. Your primary care specialist might recommend you try oral pills, liquid medicines, eye drops, or nasal sprays.Emergency epinephrine
Taking emergency epinephrine, or a shot, helps reduce severe allergy symptoms until you can get emergency treatment.Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy consists of allergy shots containing purified allergen extracts, or needle-free allergy drops that offer symptom relief.Don’t live with unpleasant allergy symptoms when you don’t have to. Schedule an allergy testing appointment with Premier Primary Care over the phone or online today.