Understanding Allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a specific (usually harmless) substance. If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, the first step is to meet with a specialist for allergy testing. Once your allergen has been identified, our providers can create a treatment plan to make your symptoms more manageable. 

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Allergy Symptoms

If you suffer from allergies, you may experience itchy eyes, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and other uncomfortable symptoms. In more severe cases, you may also have trouble breathing. Allergy symptoms can profoundly impact your everyday life and cause you to miss out on activities you enjoy.

Allergy Testing

If it’s not clear what you’re allergic to, we can test for a range of allergens to pinpoint your specific triggers. At The Barranco Clinic, we perform allergy testing during a quick, in-office visit for your convenience. 

Penicillin Allergy Testing

Penicillin is a medication that treats bacterial infections. If you’re allergic, you may experience hives, wheezing, and facial swelling. 

We test for a penicillin allergy via oral testing or a skin prick test, depending on the severity of your reaction. 

Food Allergy Testing

Food allergies often appear as skin rashes, stomach aches, an itchy throat, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can develop immediately after eating or several hours later. 

We test for food allergies using a skin prick test, blood test, or elimination diet. 

Environmental Allergy Testing

When we test for environmental allergies, we can see if you’re allergic to a wide range of allergens, including mold, grass, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and insect stings. 

We test for environmental allergies using a skin prick test or blood test. 

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Allergy Treatment Methods

Once we’ve confirmed your allergen, our providers will offer individualized treatment recommendations based on the severity of your symptoms and your lifestyle.  

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are an immunotherapy treatment that can help some people naturally build a tolerance to a specific allergen. The shots contain a small amount of your unique allergen, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. 

We will administer the injections once or twice a week at our office. As treatment progresses, we will increase the amount of the allergen in the shot. Treatment lasts for several months, at which point we start to decrease the injections. 

In many cases, you can expect lasting relief from allergy symptoms and less dependency on your medications. 

Allergy Drops

For patients who can’t use allergy shots, allergy drops are an excellent alternative. Both approaches work by exposing your immune system to small amounts of your specific allergen so you can build a tolerance. 

Allergy drops come in two forms: liquid or an oral pill. In both cases, you’ll place the drop beneath your tongue every day and let it dissolve. 

As treatment progresses, the amount of the allergen increases with each dose. This helps to improve your symptoms and increase your tolerance over time. 

Why Choose the Barranco Clinic for Your Allergy Care?

Our specialists at The Barranco Clinic have been caring for patients in Central Florida for decades. We deliver trusted, one-on-one care for children and adults, helping them to better manage their allergies, reduce their symptoms, and enjoy a renewed quality of life. 

Our clinic features the latest treatment approaches for allergies, including immunotherapy shots and drops. These treatments have helped countless patients with severe allergies find lasting relief and gain control over their lives.

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FAQ

Am I a candidate for allergy treatment?

The best way to determine your candidacy is to come to The Barranco Clinic for a private consultation. During that visit, we’ll evaluate your symptoms, find the underlying cause, and determine which treatment approaches are in your best interest.

Are allergy shots safe?

Yes. Allergy shots are a safe and effective treatment approach. In addition, our staff will monitor you closely after each injection to ensure your safety.

With 3 convenient locations across the Central Florida area, we’re never far away.

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