Allergies Specialist

Why do I have allergies?

Your body develops allergies when your immune system thinks that a particular substance is harmful, even though it’s not an actual threat. When this happens, your immune system makes antibodies and releases chemicals, including histamine, triggering rashes, sneezing, breathing problems, or other symptoms.

If you’re exposed to the same substance later, your immune system will have the same response.

Dr. Fatakhov can do allergy tests to help you discover which allergen is responsible for your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

The symptoms you experience depend on the allergen.

Some allergens affect your skin by causing rashes or other signs of irritation. Others affect your respiratory system, making you sneeze, wheeze, or cough.

Certain allergens, such as foods, can affect your gastrointestinal system, leading to digestive issues.

What are common types of allergens?

If you’re having allergic reactions, your body might be responding to any of the following:

• Ragweed, pollen, mold spores, or grass
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Certain foods, such as peanuts, wheat, eggs, or cow’s milk
• Insect stings
• Certain medications, such as penicillin
• Household cleaning products that contain certain chemicals

How can I find out what I’m allergic to?

Dr. Fatakhov can do allergy testing to determine what’s causing your reactions. You might need food allergy testing if you suspect that you’re allergic to nuts or other particular foods.

Dr. Fatakhov might also order blood tests to help determine if you have a food allergy or food sensitivity. He might do respiratory pathogen testing if you’re having reactions that affect your respiratory system.

You might also have skin prick tests done to see if certain environmental or chemical allergens affect your skin. Once Dr. Fatakhov determines if you’re allergic to certain allergens, he can come up with a treatment plan.

How are allergies treated?

Avoiding being exposed to allergens that affect you is the most effective way to prevent reactions, but this isn’t always possible.

Dr. Fatakhov can recommend other treatments, such as medication to relieve symptoms, medication to reduce the risk of having reactions, or allergy shots to desensitize your immune system. Dr. Fatakhov will go over your options and use a medical or natural approach to help you manage your allergies.

If you need testing or treatment for allergies, please contact The Center for Internal and Integrative Medicine to set up an appointment with Dr. Fatakhov.