Do you or your children spend your outdoor time sneezing, coughing, and itching? Wondering about allergies and whether you’ll have to take shots? The top-rated team at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies, P.C., in Avon, Basalt, Aspen, Frisco, and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, can answer all of your allergy questions and design a customized treatment strategy that works. Call today for an appointment or book your visit with their convenient online scheduling service.
Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. Your body has a complex and very protective immune network that’s designed to help prevent viral or bacterial infections and other issues from negatively affecting your health.
When you have allergies, your immune system mistakes typically harmless substances, such as pollen or dust, for deadly invaders. Or, it can go into overdrive when you encounter admittedly more dangerous but not typically lethal elements, such as insect venom or mold.
If you’re exposed to these substances (allergens) via your environment or the foods you eat, your immune system does its best to flush what it considers toxins from your body. It does so by triggering powerful antibodies to attack and destroy the allergen. Side effects of this natural process include the allergy symptoms you experience (like sneezing, or vomiting).
Your allergy symptoms depend upon the allergen(s) that trigger your immune system’s response. The list of possible allergens is long and varies by individual. Certain foods, animal dander, medications, pollens, insects, clothing, and materials like latex can bring on your symptoms, which may include:
A severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can cause:
Anaphylaxis is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention and careful follow-up with an allergist/immunologist.
The first step in allergy treatment is correctly identifying your allergen(s) through comprehensive allergy testing. Once that’s accomplished, your provider at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies may recommend:
Allergy shots (immunotherapy), can provide the best long-term therapy strategy for many individuals – and, honestly, the needles are quite small.
Start enjoying life sneeze-free. Call Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies for an allergy evaluation today or book your visit online.
