Treatment for Allergies in San Diego, CA | Silenso Clinic
Allergies affect people in various ways because there are many different stimulants to which the human body can react. When exposed to certain allergens, some people break out in skin rashes. Others get watery eyes and a runny nose, whereas others might have a severe respiratory reaction that can be life-threatening.
Treating allergies is one of the main reasons patients visit Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, an industry-leading board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Here, Dr. Schalch Lepe discusses common allergies and the best ways to deal with them. Silenso Clinic offers allergy testing, cutting-edge treatment for allergies, minimally invasive nasal procedures, and advanced imaging procedures to monitor your condition.
If you or a loved one is experiencing swollen or infected tonsils, then reach out to Dr. Schalch Lepe at (858) 925-5800 or fill in his contact form to arrange your consultation in San Diego today. Silenso Clinic is located in Carmel Valley in North San Diego County and serves many communities throughout the greater San Diego area, including La Jolla, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Coronado, Eastlake, Chula Vista, and more.
What Is an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction is when the body experiences a hypersensitive immune response to a substance. It occurs when the substance or particle enters the body (either through the respiratory or digestive systems) or when the skin comes into contact with the substance.
An allergic reaction is an exaggerated response to try and prevent the substance or stimulant from entering or damaging the body, which in turn can cause the severe symptoms of an allergic reaction.
These include:
- Sneezing and itching of the nose and throat
- Watery eyes
- Shortness of breath or constricted airways
- Irritated skin and raised bumps
- Swelling of the face or the affected areas
Why Do I Have Allergies?
Allergies are genetic, meaning you inherit them from your mother and father. Your immune system responds to external stimuli, such as allergens, by producing antibodies to protect your body from something your immune system identifies as harmful.
You have an allergic reaction when something that isn’t harmful, such as pollen, enters your body and is identified as a threat, causing an exaggerated response, also known as an allergic reaction.
What are Some Common Allergens?
Allergens fall into three primary categories: foods, insects, contact, medication, and inhalants.
- Foods: when certain foods are ingested, some people have an allergic reaction. Foods commonly known to cause an allergic reaction include dairy products, nuts, wheat, and certain types of shellfish, such as prawns.
- Insects: Insect bites also often cause allergic reactions. Dust mites and bee stings often induce swelling and redness in the bite area.
- Contact: People can react poorly to certain cosmetic products, soaps, latex, metals, and also organic matter such as grass and certain types of leaves.
- Medication: For some people, medicine such as anesthetics, antibiotics (like penicillin) or other medications can cause severe allergic reactions.
- Inhalants: The most common variety of allergens are air-borne substances that can be inhaled. These include pollen, dust particles, pet hair, and fungal spores.
What are Some Common Allergic Reactions?
The way people react to allergens varies by degree according to each patient and the severity of their allergy. Therefore treating patients on an individual basis is so important when it comes to handling allergies, something Dr. Schalch Lepe takes into consideration when testing for and treating allergies.
People might experience one, some, or all of the following symptoms during a bad allergic breakout:
- Irritated and itchy skin
- Mucous membrane swelling and irritation
- Sneezing and coughing
- Watery eyes
- Rapid heart rate or papliptations
- Abdominal pain and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
Patients suffering from chronic rhinitis will often experience a combination of several of symptoms such as nasal discharge, congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, facial pain and pressure, which can get progressively worse as the condition goes untreated.
This is why seeking treatment for allergic reactions, particularly chronic rhinitis, is vital if you or a loved one experiences such reactions to allergens.
Specializing in the treatment of a variety of conditions (deviated septum, nasal obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, etc.), Dr. Schalch Lepe is highly qualified and motivated to provide his patients with the best possible treatment results. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has the unique perspective of having trained in multiple countries. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California.
Treating Allergies
How to treat your allergy will depend on the patient and their special circumstances. There are three primary ways professionals reduce the severity of an allergic reaction: avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy.
- Avoidance: In many cases, knowing your triggers is one of the most effective ways of reducing your allergic reactions. Dr. Schalch Lepe can help with diagnostic tests to specifically identify which allergens cause you to react poorly to avoid them in your daily life. Environmental hygiene at home by means of hypoallergenic carpets, air filters and thorough cleaning are essential as well.
- Medication: Antihistamines and decongestants can help control your body’s reaction to the allergen. Medication that suppresses your allergic reaction is the most effective and least invasive solution in many cases, to control symptoms.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is similar to a vaccine in that minuscule amounts of the allergen are introduced to your immune system in an attempt to desensitize it to the allergens’ presence. Consult an experienced and trusted, highly qualified professional before considering immunotherapy. New modalities include prescription tablets as well as allergy drops (also known as sublingual immunotherapy), and these DO NOT involve weekly injections in the clinic.
Allergy Treatment in San Diego, CA
If you experience allergies, then you should consult a health professional such as Dr. Schalch Lepe. The longer allergies go untreated, the worse they tend to become and the greater risk to the patient. Partnering with the right provider can help you improve your health and quality of life.
Ear, nose, throat, sleep, and breathing specialist Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe specializes in treating various conditions (chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea, etc.), all meant to help his patients achieve an improved quality of life by breathing better and sleeping easier. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has been fortunate to gain unique perspectives and experience from his international training. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California.
Arrange your consultation today by calling (858) 925-5800 or filling out our online form.