Allergies Specialist
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Internal Medicine & Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Sun City, Prescott & Phoenix, AZ
Internal Medicine & Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Sun City, AZ & Central Physicians Plaza, Phoenix, AZ
Having an allergy, especially one that you haven’t been able to identify, can disrupt your daily life with sneezing, itching, and difficulty breathing. At Centra Internal Medicine in Sun City, Prescott and Phoenix, Arizona, Manish Sahni, MD, offers allergy testing and immunotherapy to keep you functional around the things that trigger your allergies. To find out what’s causing your sneezing, call or book your appointment online at Centra Internal Medicine today.
Allergies Q & A
What causes allergies?
Allergies are a product of your body’s immune system: Allergic reactions occur when your immune system, which normally protects you from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances, overreacts to something in your environment. When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, called an allergen, your body tries to destroy it.
Allergies are very common, but they can be vastly different. They vary in severity from minor nuisances to deadly threats that demand cautionary preparations and immediate medical attention.
How do I know if I have allergies?
Allergies can come with many symptoms. Some of the most common allergens are pollen from flowers, animal dander, shellfish, and nuts. Symptoms that you might experience include:
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your face
- Dizziness
You can only be sure that your reaction is from an allergy if you get tested for it. After finding the cause of your allergic reaction, Dr. Sahni forms a plan of action to help you manage it.
How do I get tested for allergies?
Centra Internal Medicine offers allergy tests to find out what’s causing your reactions. You may undergo:
Blood tests
During a blood test, Dr. Sahni draws some of your blood and tests it for the antibodies that cause your reaction.
Skin prick tests
During a skin prick test, Dr. Sahni pricks your skin with a needle that has a tiny amount of your possible allergen on it. If it causes a reaction on your skin, you’re likely allergic to it.
Patch tests
With a patch test, Dr. Sahni puts a small amount of your possible allergen on a metal disc and tapes it to your back. After a few days, he checks the area for signs of an allergic reaction.
How can I manage my allergies?
There are a few ways to manage your allergies, and your treatment plan depends on your type of allergy and its severity. Dr. Sahni may prescribe medications to ease your symptoms, but they don’t eliminate your allergies.
If your allergies are severe, Dr. Sahni may recommend immunotherapy. Over a period of a few years, he exposes you to gradually increasing amounts of your allergen, and your body builds a tolerance to it.
If you’re tired of living your life avoiding your allergens, call or schedule your appointment online at Centra Internal Medicine to identify your allergies and create a treatment plan.
