Allergy testing is an important first step in identifying the specific substances that trigger allergic reactions. Allergies are very common, affecting approximately two out of every ten Americans. If symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion, continual sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy skin have got you down, Dr. Frank Averill and the experienced team of allergy care experts at St. Francis Medical Institute can help. Offering the latest techniques in allergy testing, St. Francis regularly treats patients from Clearwater, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, and the surrounding Florida communities.
The allergy testing program at St. Francis was developed by and is implemented under the guidance of Dr. Averill, who is board-certified in pulmonology and completed a fellowship in allergy and immunology at the renowned Johns Hopkins University Hospital. As a widely published author with more than 20 years of experience in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of allergies, Dr. Averill is well qualified to provide allergy testing and treatment to area patients.
If you have allergies, symptoms can manifest if your immune system overreacts after you eat, touch, or inhale a normally innocuous substance, such as:
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Shellfish
- Dairy products
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Wasp or bee venom
- Latex
Essentially, your immune system incorrectly identifies the substance as an “invader” and produces antibodies to protect your body. These antibodies circulate in your blood and travel to the cells that release histamine, which causes an inflammatory response. Allergy testing can be used to pinpoint the allergens that cause your body to respond in this manner. This is vital because, in addition to annoying sniffles and sneezing, allergies can sometimes trigger a life-threatening response called anaphylaxis, during which the mouth and throat can swell to the point of impeding the airways.
Contact St. Francis Medical Institute today to learn more about the allergy testing and allergy and asthma treatment we offer to patients in Clearwater, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, and the surrounding Florida communities. We always welcome questions, and we’ll be pleased to tell you more about allergies and help you break free from the constraints of your symptoms.