Could my Hives be an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, causing major disruption to your lifestyle and health. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, board-certified physician Dr. Avi Ishaaya provides patients with comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options to identify specific irritants and to provide individualized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms, keep them healthy and safe, and to ensure their return to a normal, high-quality life.

What are allergies?

Allergies, or allergic reactions, are the immune system's response to specific irritants called allergens. Allergies can be caused by breathing in, ingesting, or touching something that your body has a specific and unhealthy reaction to. Some people have experienced lifelong allergies and are intimately familiar with what irritants in the environment to avoid. For others, allergens still need to be identified through comprehensive testing by a qualified doctor. Dr. Ishaaya is a well-rounded physician who specializes in pulmonary, internal, geriatric, and sleep medicine, and provides his patients with current and comprehensive allergy testing and treatment.

Could my hives be an allergic reaction?

Hives appear as raised, red bumps or welts on the skin which could indicate an allergic reaction. Hives usually appear suddenly, can be itchy, and can be brought on by a reaction to food, medication, or stress.

What are other signs of an allergic reaction?

Aside from hives, the body can signal an allergic reaction through other symptoms, including:

• Nasal congestion

• Watery eyes

• Stomach problems/cramps

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Chest congestion

• Trouble breathing

• Swelling of the face and/or throat

• Severe itching

• Localized swelling or redness

Could allergies be dangerous?

Although many allergies cause mild and unpleasant symptoms, there are a handful of allergic reactions that are deadly. This is especially true if an allergic reaction causes swelling of the throat or restricts breathing in any way. Anaphylaxis, or a severe allergic reaction, can cause an array of symptoms, including swelling, shortness of breath, hives, fainting, dizziness, and confusion. Left untreated, anaphylaxis progresses to anaphylactic shock or loss of consciousness, and even death.

What are common allergy triggers?

At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers, Dr. Ishaaya tests for all the following allergies:

• Food: seafood, shellfish, nuts, gluten, meat products, dairy, soy, fruits and vegetables

• Outdoor irritants: pollen, weeds, ragweed, grass, flowers

• Molds: fusarium, helminthosporium, hormodendrum

• Animals and bugs: cats, dogs, birds, horses, rodents, cockroaches, dust mites, bees

What allergy tests do we provide?

Dr. Ishaaya conducts any of the following allergy tests to identify potential irritants causing your specific symptoms in Los Angeles:

Scratch test: Also referred to as the prick-puncture test, this 15 – 20-minute test involves inserting a tiny sample of allergens under the skin. If multiple allergens are administered, it makes a grid-like pattern across the skin and can help identify or get rid of specific allergy triggers.

Blood test: Blood tests can be ordered for patients who have allergies that are too severe to safely use the scratch test.

Elimination diet: Dr. Ishaaya leads the patient through a process of food elimination and introduction to see if specific foods are causing intolerances or food allergies. He regularly checks for common food sensitivities, including nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, and dairy.

What treatments are available for allergies?

Depending on the types of allergens and the severity of the reaction, Dr. Ishaaya will tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs. A few treatment options may include:

• Prescription or over-the-counter allergy medicine

• Lifestyle changes to diet and allergen exposure

• Allergy shots or immunotherapy

Where to go to learn more about allergies, testing, and treatment.

If you are living with uncomfortable or life-threatening allergies and would like to learn more about your testing and treatment options, contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA and schedule a consultation today. Dr. Ishaaya is a board-certified physician who is qualified to provide comprehensive allergy testing and individualized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms and to optimize your health and safety.