Allergy Testing & Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Allergies affect millions of Americans. If you are one of them, you know how much the symptoms can disrupt your everyday life.
You can get help for your allergic symptoms at our Atlanta. GA ENT Center.
What Are Allergies?
An allergic reaction happens when your body reacts to a foreign substance that it thinks is harmful. Your body mounts an immune response to the foreign substance, and this response can cause symptoms of allergies. Food and drug allergies, atopic dermatitis or eczema, and allergies to insect stings are common. Another one is hay fever or allergic rhinitis. This occurs when your body mounts an immune response to pollen, dust pet hair, mites, or other small particles in the air.
Although you can be proactive about your allergies, you may not always be able to escape them. You can do your best to mitigate their effects on your body, but the world is full of allergens, and your best bet is to protect yourself as much as possible.
What Causes Allergies?
There are a wide range of causes for allergies to occur, and they can significantly affect some people more than others. With how common different types of allergies are on a year-round basis, most people suffer through or rely on over-the-counter medication for temporary relief.
What many people don’t consider is that you can get a clear look at what kind of allergies you have, which will help to avoid them in the future. Of course, some environmental allergies can be hard to escape, but if you’re more prone to food allergies, this can be easier to manage. How people experience allergies varies greatly from person to person, and it’s important to understand what your allergies are to avoid discomfort down the road.
Testing for Allergies in Atlanta
Your first appointment with Dr. Fletcher will include a medical history and examination. You might take a food diary to determine if you have allergies to foods in your diet, but a food intolerance test can also help with this. Other allergy tests include blood tests for specific immune factors produced by your body and skin tests to see if certain substances cause a reaction on your skin.
If needed, we can look into a range of tests to grasp what you’re struggling with the most. From a lactose intolerance test to food sensitivity testing, Dr. Fletcher can provide a full scope of your allergies so you can avoid them as much as possible. Of course, depending on the severity of your allergies will have an influence on the course of action you take in your daily life. There’s always a chance that you encounter an allergy that could be potentially life-threatening, and it’s essential you’re educated about it before you end up in an uncomfortable situation.
Allergy Testing & Treatment in Atlanta
Your treatment depends on your symptoms, the cause of your allergies, and what you have tried before. Options include avoiding the allergen and taking over-the-counter or prescription medications such as pills or nasal sprays. You may take immunotherapy over the course of years to suppress symptoms.
Considering the complex nature of the human body, many people need a catered approach to getting a handle on their allergies. Most people suffer from allergies, but even if they’re common, they shouldn’t be taken lightly as they can greatly affect your quality of life. Aside from seasonal or food allergies, you’ll also want to consider looking into a skin allergy test, as it’s one of your most sensitive organs.
Coming in contact with certain substances can have an adverse effect on the health of your skin and your overall comfort. In this circumstance, Dr. Fletcher would offer a patch test which would provide a detailed look at what your skin may be reacting to. The effects of certain allergies can also take quite a while to dissipate, so it’s vital you know what to avoid and what medications you might need for your particular set of allergies.
Are Allergy Tests Covered By Insurance?
In most cases, you can expect your insurance to cover the medical visit and any allergy tests you might need. Although, it’s important to verify this before making any assumptions, as everybody’s situation is different. Most health insurance companies come with their own variety of rules, and your particular plan will have detailed information on what’s covered and what isn’t. If you can’t find a direct answer, it’s advisable to reach out to your insurance company to clarify before moving forward with your appointment. However, most insurers do help cover such procedures, so you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
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Nasal spray can be very helpful in relieving symptoms caused by allergies and different illnesses. The key to getting the most benefit from nasal sprays is using it the correct way to ensure the best results. Join Dr. Nosebetter and DJ Boogie to learn the correct technique for maximum relief!
Allergy Treatment FAQs
This test determines if your body is allergic to a particular substance. People take this test to determine any food or seasonal allergies. The examination can take place in the form of skin or blood tests and through the process of elimination with your diet. Allergies vary from person to person, so an allergy test can give you a clear idea of what to avoid, if possible.
That all comes down to your particular symptoms, as they can range from relatively minor to life-threatening. Thankfully, there are multiple solutions to combat allergies, one of the most common being nasal sprays or allergy medication. In more serious circumstances, you may wish to explore immunotherapy to suppress the symptoms of your critical allergens.
Although prescription medication can help suppress or manage the symptoms of allergies, some may still feel it is inconvenient to take. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, offers much more effective results. It can prevent potential allergy attacks for up to three to five years, depending on your health and the severity of your situation.
Regardless of the severity of your allergies, if they impact your quality of life, it is time to speak with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. Allergies can significantly affect our comfort and joy in life, but some can also be life-threatening. Even if allergies are a common topic of discussion between us all, they can come with some alarming consequences. However, it is best to start with isolating the cause of your allergies and prescribing medication before jumping into immunotherapy.
In short, an allergic reaction occurs when your immune system detects and reacts to a foreign substance in the body. The body then produces the necessary antibodies to defend against that particular substance. These antibodies are what cause the allergy symptoms with which you are familiar. The body may be doing its best to protect itself, but, in this case, it is doing more harm than good.
Of course, it depends on your level of discomfort and how your allergies affect your everyday life. Some allergies are manageable and do not warrant visiting an ENT doctor, while others are on the opposite end of the spectrum and can cause extreme discomfort or are potentially fatal. No matter the severity of your condition, please book an allergy testing appointment at our clinic in Atlanta so your body can feel happier and healthier in the long run.
Each injection of an allergy shot contains a minuscule amount of the allergen in question, which helps your body build the necessary immunity to prevent an allergic reaction. Over time, new antibodies are created that are better suited to face this particular allergen. This gives you a better chance of avoiding symptoms if you come in contact with the allergen again.
If you’re looking for alternatives, store-bought or prescription medication can help manage your allergies, or you could try sublingual immunotherapy that employs allergy drops or tablets. This method does not require an injection. Instead, the treatment is absorbed through the tissue of the mouth for an easy and painless approach.
LOOK AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL!
The Georgia Center for Ear, Nose, and Throat is more than an advanced sinus treatment facility. We offer a wide array of cosmetic facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Aaron Fletcher and his staff are committed to making sure you feel comfortable in each stage of the process. Call and schedule a consultation to learn more about Dr. Fletcher’s brow lift and other facial procedures. Call us at 678.902.9495 or contact us online for your consultation.
Testimonials
FEATURED REVIEWS
“Dr. Fletcher and his staff are amazing. They have walked with my husband and I through every step of his surgery process. They are patient resourceful and genuine. God couldn’t have blessed us with a better team. Thank you for everything."
Brittany.
“Dr. Fletcher and his staff are all I could have hoped for in an ENT specialist. He has been my specialist for several years now and has always provided the absolute best care, best advice and treatment during every visit!"
Nicole S.
“That was my first visit and I really appreciate how prompt, attentive and thorough the staff and the doctor was. I would recommend my friends."
M.R.
“I've been looking for a great ENT, I'm so glad that I've finally found one in Dr. Fletcher! He makes me feel a part of the family, I recommend all of my friends and co-workers."
Genette Roberson.
“A very professional and friendly staff. Dr. Fletcher is very detailed and informational in his explanations. His office staff Ashley C Valerie are warm and friendly. They walked my daughter through her tonsils being removed and made it seamless."
Valewis.
“Terrific ENT practice. Was able to get an appointment by the next day to clear ear canals. In and out within 45 minutes. Excellent and professional service by friendly staff."
Rick Andreoli.
“Appt was on time. Staff very courteous. Every step & procedure explained.
Nothing rushed or ignored. Left with a clear plan of action and follow up in place."
Anne Leath.
“Wish I could give this place 10 stars. I've been seeing Dr. Fletcher for over a year about my under eye hollows. He always gets me right and when I came in for a touch-up yesterday, I received exactly what I'm used to. I love that although they were pretty busy, I still felt safe and clean in the office. The staff is friendly and comforting as well. I always look forward to seeing Dr. Fletcher and his team."
Kri Peck.
“Dr. Fletcher removed my thyroid. He took excellent care of me pre-op and post-op. Dr Fletcher took the time to answer all the questions that I and my family had. We were all at ease going in to the procedure and recovery has gone smoothly. Dr Fletcher has kept me well informed on my care and condition and I will readily recommend him and his staff for all of their services."
Dawn Zinn.
“Five star experience. I came to Dr. Fletcher for lip fillers and they turned out amazing. He did some tweaking to a previous filler job I had done, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Friendly office environment, staff is amazing."
Jasmina Alston.
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