You have an allergic response to trees and grasses, but your partner doesn’t. Why are you allergic when a sibling or partner isn’t?
Our board-certified allergists with Advanced Allergy & Asthma treat all kinds of allergies, from sneezing and coughing caused by seasonal allergies to food, pet dander, insect sting, medication, and latex allergies.
Scientists don’t yet fully understand why some people develop allergies and others don’t. We also aren’t sure why particular substances cause allergic reactions while others don’t. We understand the process that occurs, but we don't exactly know why it happens in some cases and not in others.
Researchers are clear on a genetic link to allergies. If others in your family have allergies, you have an increased risk of developing them, too.
When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system overreacts because it perceives the allergen, such as pollen, pet dander, or another substance, as harmful. You produce immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies.
There are numerous types of IgE antibodies; each responds to specific types of allergens. While your antibodies are specific to dog dander, your child's may be specific to ragweed.
Whenever you or your loved one are exposed to pollen or other allergen, the allergen binds to the antibodies. In turn, your body releases chemicals that produce your symptoms, usually affecting your nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, stomach, or skin.
When you have allergies, your immune system is overly sensitive to certain allergens in the environment. Your body is trying to protect you from what it believes is a harmful invader. Allergists help bring your immune system into balance so that it's able to recognize harmful versus harmless substances properly.
Scientists have observed that allergies and autoimmune diseases are both characterized by dysregulation of your immune system. More research is needed to determine if there is a link between the two.
While scientists don’t yet have all the answers as to why you’ve developed allergies, we know how to treat them to relieve your symptoms. If over-the-counter medication hasn’t worked, prescription medication and lifestyle adjustments may work well for you.
If medication hasn’t worked for your allergy symptoms, we can administer allergy shots, which gradually desensitize you to the allergen and bring your immune system into balance. Call Advanced Allergy & Asthma or request an appointment through our online portal today if you have distressing allergy symptoms.
