Allergies Services Offered across Greater Boston Area in North Andover, Stoneham, Dracut & Wilmington, MA at Today's Wellness & Primary Care
About 50 million Americans have allergies to drugs, foods, and other substances. Symptoms usually aren’t serious, but without treatment, they can affect your quality of life. At Today’s Wellness and Primary Care in North Andover, Dracut, Wilmington, and Stoneham, Massachusetts, Mohammed Jaleel, MD and team provide comprehensive care for all types of allergies. After determining the source of your discomfort, they can make recommendations to help you feel better. To make an appointment in Wilmington, Dracut, North Andover, or Stoneham, Massachusetts, call the nearest office or book online today.
Allergies Q & A
What are allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a harmless substance –– like pollen, pet hair, or dust –– as a potentially serious threat. This causes your immune system to produce antibodies or proteins that help protect you from infection. Unfortunately, the overproduction of antibodies also triggers uncomfortable symptoms, like itchy skin, watery eyes, or a runny nose.
Allergies typically aren’t serious, but can trigger a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis in some cases.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
Symptoms of allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tingling in the mouth
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Itchy or red skin
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly and they interfere with your routine or quality of life, make an appointment at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care Clinic right away.
What are some common allergy triggers?
Various substances can trigger an allergic reaction. The team at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care regularly treats:
- Airborne allergies, like pollen, dust mites, and mold
- Insect stings from bees and wasps
- Food allergies, like dairy, soy, fish, and eggs
- Drug allergies
The team also treats allergic reactions that affect the skin, like latex and metal allergies.
How are allergies diagnosed?
The team at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care diagnose allergies during an in-office exam.
At the beginning of the visit, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if exposure to certain substances makes them worse. Then, they conduct a physical exam.
If these steps don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, the team might order additional tests, such as:
Allergy skin tests
During an allergy skin test, your provider exposes your skin to proteins found in particular allergens. If your skin swells up or itches after exposure to a specific protein, you’re allergic.
Allergy blood tests
An allergy blood test analyzes a sample of your blood for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Your immune system produces these antibodies when exposed to an allergy trigger.
How are allergies treated?
Treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. The team at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care might recommend:
- Avoiding allergy triggers
- Taking allergy medication
- Immunotherapy
- Emergency epinephrine
The goal of treatment is to reduce flare-ups, minimize uncomfortable symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
To receive treatment for allergies, make an appointment at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care by calling the nearest office or booking online today.
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