Allergies & Asthma

Do you struggle with sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, or have constant difficulty breathing? If so, these could be signs of allergies or asthma. At the office of Sergio B. Seoane, MD, in Lakeland, Florida, Dr. Seoane offers treatments for allergies and asthma to help you breathe easier and feel better. Call Dr. Seoane’s office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.

What are allergies and asthma?

Allergies and asthma are common conditions affecting how your body reacts to specific substances, cold air, airborne allergens, and even exercise. Specific allergens that don’t bother many other people cause your allergies to flare up.

Asthma constricts your airways and makes it difficult to get a full breath of air. Many people with allergies also have asthma, though these two conditions don’t always occur together.

What are the symptoms of allergies and asthma?

Allergies and asthma can cause the following symptoms:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash or hives
• Facial or throat swelling
• Going into shock (anaphylaxis)

You can have an allergic reaction to medicines, latex, some foods, pollen, and other airborne allergens, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.

What are the risk factors for developing allergies and asthma?

The cause of allergies and asthma isn’t entirely clear. Common risk factors include:

• Family history of asthma or allergies
• Smoking
• Breathing polluted air
• Exposure to chemicals
• Being overweight

Some people develop allergies and asthma without known risk factors.

How does my doctor diagnose allergies and asthma?

Dr. Seoane reviews your symptoms, lifestyle, medications, and medical history to determine if you have allergies, asthma, or both. He weighs you and checks your blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs.

He listens to your heartbeat and breathing and completes a physical exam. Diagnostic tests for allergies and asthma include:

• Blood tests
• Lung-function (breathing) tests
• Skin prick testing
• Patch testing

You might need more than one type of test to help Dr. Seoane make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.

How are allergies and asthma treated?

The treatments Dr. Seoane recommends for allergies and asthma include not smoking, avoiding chemical exposure, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight.

You might take medication, receive allergy shots, use an inhaler, or carry an epinephrine pen (a self-administered adrenaline shot) in case of a severe allergic reaction. You might require more than one kind of treatment to get the most significant symptom relief.

Call the office of Sergio B. Seoane, MD, or schedule an appointment online today to be screened and treated for allergies.