People dealing with chronic allergic rhinitis wish they could live life without the routine sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and wheezing. This type of problem may not seem like much of an ordeal to someone who’s never experienced it, but hay fever can feel like a constant bad cold. The individual resorts to taking medication that results in feelings of nervousness or drowsiness and doesn’t feel well during the entire allergy season. Allergy testing in Evansville IN, along with proper treatment, can relieve these symptoms and give the person a new lease on life.
Allergy testing in Evansville IN identifies the specific substance or substances the patient is allergic to; the substances are medically known as allergens. After testing, immunotherapy shots may be a suitable option. The patient comes to the clinic several times to receive injections containing small amounts of the allergen. It’s a bit like a vaccination against disease because it works with the immune system. However, while vaccinations build up immunity to prevent catching a contagious illness, allergy shots gradually allow the body to become accustomed to the substance and stop reacting negatively to it.
In some cases, the person may be able to avoid allergy triggers for the most part, and the injections then would not be necessary. For instance, a patient may suspect he or she is allergic to cats but doesn’t seem to always have an allergic reaction to these animals. At a facility such as Accredited Asthma Allergy and Food Intolerance Center, the person may be diagnosed with a relatively minor allergy to cat dander. The symptoms may only develop when this person picks up a cat or cuddles with one. If a cat lives in the household or the individual spends a lot of time in homes with cats, the injections are advantageous. Otherwise, the patient may be able to tolerate being around a feline on occasion by being more cautious about the contact. Petting a cat may be fine, but washing hands afterward is advisable. Otherwise, when this person touches his or her face, allergic symptoms may develop. Anyone who wants to get more information may do so online.