Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Here is some information on the symptoms, causes, testing, conventional treatment, and functional medicine treatments for allergies:

Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening)

Causes:

• Allergies can be caused by a variety of substances, including pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, and certain foods.
• Allergies can also be triggered by medications, insect stings, and latex.

Testing:

• Medical professionals may perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests, such as skin tests or blood tests, to identify allergens that may be causing symptoms.

Conventional treatment:

• Treatment of allergies typically involves avoiding allergens, using over the counter or prescription medications to manage symptoms, or in some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) to desensitize the immune system to allergens.

Functional Medicine treatments:

• Functional Medicine approaches to treating allergies involve identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to allergy symptoms, such as nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and gut health.
• Nutritional interventions may include consuming anti-inflammatory foods and supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin, and vitamin C.
• Lifestyle interventions may include reducing exposure to allergens, reducing stress, and getting adequate sleep.
• Gut health interventions may include identifying and addressing imbalances in gut bacteria, reducing inflammation in the gut, and healing the gut lining.

It is important to note that Functional Medicine treatments are not a replacement for conventional medical care, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have allergies or any concerning symptoms.