Environmental Allergy

Environmental Allergy is a condition in which individuals have an aberrant immune reaction to substances in their environment, such as dust, pollen, animal dander, and certain foods. Symptoms may include sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, rashes, hives, and other respiratory symptoms. Environmental allergies can significantly affect one's quality of life, and thus, it is important to see an allergist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Treatment of environmental allergies may include avoidance of the allergen, medications, and allergen immunotherapy. Allergen immunotherapy can be an effective treatment for many people suffering from environmental allergies. Allergen immunotherapy involves the administration of small doses of an allergen to the individual over a period of time, helping the person develop a tolerance and reduce the allergic response.