Allergies
Dealing with allergies can significantly impact your quality of life, and at RWJBarnabas Health, we're here to help you find relief. Whether you're struggling with seasonal allergies, food allergies or other types of allergic reactions, our team of allergists and immunologists provides expert care tailored to your specific needs.
We offer comprehensive allergy testing, personalized treatment plans, and education on allergen avoidance to help you manage your symptoms effectively. Our goal is to alleviate your current allergy symptoms and develop strategies for long-term management and prevention. Don't let allergies control your life — let us help you breathe easier and enjoy your daily activities without discomfort.
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What Are Allergies?
Allergies are overreactions of the body's immune system to airborne substances (allergens) that are typically harmless to most people. These allergens can trigger inflammation in the airways, leading to respiratory symptoms and potentially exacerbating conditions like asthma. Allergies are among the most common chronic respiratory conditions worldwide.
Types of Allergies We Treat
At RWJBarnabas Health, we provide comprehensive care for various types of allergies, including:
- Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
- Allergic asthma
- Occupational allergies
- Pet dander allergies
- Mold allergies
Allergy Causes
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. Common allergens include:
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Mold spores
- Certain occupational irritants
Genetic predisposition and environmental factors can increase your likelihood of developing allergies.
Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the allergen and the individual. Common symptoms include:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Increased mucus production
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- In severe cases, asthma attacks
Allergy Diagnosis
At RWJBarnabas Health, our allergy specialists employ a comprehensive approach to accurately diagnosing allergies. The process typically begins with a detailed medical history review followed by a thorough physical examination.
We use various testing methods tailored to each patient's symptoms and suspected triggers to identify specific allergens. These may include skin prick tests, which involve introducing small amounts of potential allergens to the skin and observing for reactions. For some patients, we conduct blood tests to measure levels of specific IgE antibodies associated with allergies.
This multi-faceted diagnostic approach allows our team to pinpoint your specific allergies and develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.
Allergy Treatments
We offer a range of treatments tailored to each patient's specific allergies and symptoms:
- Avoidance strategies
- Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids
- Immunotherapy like allergy shots or sublingual tablets
- Emergency epinephrine for severe allergies
- Biologic therapies for certain allergic conditions like asthma
- Management of related conditions like allergic rhinitis and sinusitis
Allergy Management
While allergies cannot be prevented, you can manage your condition and reduce the risk of severe reactions by:
- Identifying and avoiding your triggers
- Following your treatment plan consistently
- Keeping rescue medications on hand if prescribed
- Wearing a medical alert bracelet for severe allergies
- Getting regular check-ups with your allergist
Expert Care for Allergies
Don't let allergies control your life. Whether you're dealing with seasonal allergies or year-round respiratory symptoms, the expert team at RWJBarnabas Health is here to help.
We're committed to helping you breathe easier and live life to the fullest, even with lung allergies. Let our experienced team develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your allergies effectively and improve your respiratory health.
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