Allergies Specialist

What are the most common allergies in children and adults?

In general, children are particularly prone to food allergies such as milk and peanuts, while adults are more likely to have environmental allergies like hay fever. But, you can have any kind of allergy at any age. 

What are the symptoms of allergies?

After contact with an allergen, you may experience symptoms, including:

• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Red eyes
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Rash
• Abdominal pain
• Swollen lips or tongue

A severe allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction. Anaphylaxis symptoms can include severe breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, plummeting blood pressure, hives, dizziness, and fainting. 

How do you test for allergies?

At the United Allergy Services lab at Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., the experienced team can check for all the most common categories of allergies:

Environmental allergies

The core allergy test service covers the 54 allergies most common in your specific geographic area. This test covers allergens like trees, grasses, weeds, molds, pet dander, cockroaches, and dust mites.

Food allergies

Food allergy testing checks for up to 23 different foods; that includes the most common culprits such as milk, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, tree nuts, wheat, and eggs.

Penicillin allergies

Penicillin allergies are reportedly the most common drug allergy today. But, 90% of people who think they have a penicillin allergy aren't actually allergic. This test can definitively tell you whether you truly have a penicillin allergy, which can then simplify illness treatment in the future.

The team performs all allergy tests using a needle-free skin prick protocol. Because the allergy lab is on-site, you may get results during your appointment. 

How are allergies treated?

Allergy treatment is allergen and patient-specific. The team gives you various options and helps you choose the one that suits your lifestyle and needs the best. The two main immunotherapy treatment options are allergy shots and allergy drops that you take under the tongue. Both forms of immunotherapy can give you lasting relief.

For food allergies, the team can help you with eating plans that avoid unnecessary allergen exposure and can also prescribe an emergency epinephrine auto-injector for accidental exposure.  

Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., offers start-to-finish allergy solutions in one location, so call to book your appointment or click the online scheduler.