Allergies & Sensitivities – Environmental in Orlando

Allergies rank as the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, affecting over 50 million people each year. They occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, known as allergens, as threats. This triggers the production of antibodies (IgE), leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic reactions.

Common Environmental Allergy Triggers:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Pet Dander
• Mold
• Cockroaches

Symptoms of Environmental Allergies:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or runny nose
• Skin rashes
• Difficulty breathing

Environmental Sensitivities:

In addition to typical allergens, sensitivities can be triggered by:

• Chemicals
• Electromagnetic radiation
• Environmental scents

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability

Understanding these triggers and symptoms can help manage and reduce the impact of allergies on daily life.

What Do Environmental Allergy Tests Measure?

Environmental allergy tests assess the body’s reaction to specific allergens to identify triggers and develop effective treatment plans. These tests are often combined with a physical examination and medical history for comprehensive results.

Types of Allergy Tests:

Skin Tests:

• Prick/Scratch Tests: Allergens are applied to the skin’s surface.
• Intradermal Tests: Allergens are injected just under the skin.
• Patch Tests: Allergens are applied on patches to test for contact allergies.

Blood Tests:

• Measure IgE Antibodies specific to various allergens. High levels of IgE indicate an allergy to that substance.
• Comprehensive Testing Panels:
• Rupa Health offers panels that measure allergies and sensitivities to:

Environmental chemicals

• Molds
• Additives
• Toxic metals and minerals

Specific IgE blood tests evaluate the reaction to each allergen individually, providing detailed insights into potential allergies.

What are common symptoms of environmental allergies?

Common symptoms that may indicate an environmental allergy or sensitivity include:

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy nose, throat
• Runny nose, nasal congestion
• Hives, itchy skin
• Severe insect bite/sting reactions
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Sneezing, coughing

Treatment Plans for Environmental Allergies

Managing environmental allergies involves reducing exposure to allergens and supporting overall immune health. Here are common treatment strategies:

• Air Filtration: Use air purifiers to remove allergens from indoor air.
• Allergen Avoidance: Limit contact with identified allergens whenever possible.
• Herbs and Supplements: Utilize specific herbs and nutrients that can alleviate allergy symptoms.
• Gut Health: Focus on improving gut microbiome health to reduce allergy responses.
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques to help mitigate symptoms.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure sufficient sleep to support overall health and immune function.
• Acupuncture: Consider acupuncture for symptom relief.
• Immunotherapy: Receive allergen injections from a healthcare provider over time to build tolerance.
• Epinephrine Injector: Keep an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies in case of severe allergic reactions.