Allergies
How can I tell if I have a cold or allergies?
Common allergy symptoms include: sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy, watery eyes and sometimes dark circles under the eyes. One way to tell if your symptoms are related to a cold or allergies are if your symptoms last longer than 10 days. If so, it’s usually allergies.
Also, general aches and pains and fever are symptoms that are never associated with allergies. Staying indoors to avoid pollen, staying away from conditions that stir up pollen (like fresh cut lawns) and planning outdoor activities later in the afternoon when grass pollen is lower can help manage allergy symptoms.
Take our Cold or Allergies Quiz
What can I do to minimize my allergy symptoms?
Staying indoors to avoid pollen, staying away from conditions that stir up pollen (like fresh cut lawns) and planning outdoor activities later in the afternoon when grass pollen is lower can help manage allergy symptoms.
If you're outdoors for a long period of time, shower and change into new clothes when returning inside. If you have a furred pet, frequently bathe or wipe them down to help keep the pollen from coming indoors. Make sure to change your air filters in your home and keep your windows shut.
If you're affected by persistent allergies, immunotherapy can improve your immunity to allergies in addition to relieving symptoms.
Does mold really affect my allergies?
Yes! Many people are allergic to mold and don’t even realize it. If you have allergy symptoms year-round, or they get worse in damp weather, you might be allergic to mold.
Mold allergies can flare all year long, causing sneezing, runny, stuffy nose, watery eyes or itchy eyes and throat, and cough. It can also worsen asthma symptoms. Immunotherapy is an effective option for long-term relief.
What happens if I don't treat my allergies?
Untreated allergies can lead to a variety of secondary infections, like ear infections, sinus infections and other inflammatory problems that can include eczema, sinusitis and asthma.
Moods are also affected by allergies. Anxiety and depression can be triggered from the lack of sleep and ongoing symptoms. It's important to seek treatment when symptoms are first noticed.
How do I know if my child has allergies?
Allergic tendencies are often passed genetically from parents to children, although it can take months or years for an allergy to develop after initial exposure. Each child has a certain amount of exposure that must occur before an allergen causes a reaction. In most cases, seasonal allergies to pollen and grass usually don’t begin until a child is about three or four.
Most children’s allergies will respond to over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and prescription nasal sprays. However, we see many kids who don’t improve until they are treated with allergy immunotherapy.
How much does allergy testing cost?
The amount you pay out-of-pocket for allergy testing can vary, depending on these four factors: your deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, and in-network providers.
We also offer self-pay rates of$695 for adult allergy testing and $400 for children (ages 18 mos-10 yrs). Food allergy testing is $400 for both children and adults. We offer payment plans, and we accept CareCredit as well. Please note that we do not accept cash payments.
For more information, please visit our allergy test pricing page.
