Allergies Treatment Specialist in Carrboro, NC

While there is generally no cure for allergies there are a variety of medications available to mitigate pesky symptoms like a runny nose or congestion. Drugs such as decongestants, corticosteroids, antihistamines, combination drugs, and more can make your allergy symptoms far more manageable. It is also possible to increase your tolerance to allergens gradually with immunotherapy through pills or allergy shots. There is a wide array of medications available to diminish the effects of allergic reactions, to find out which course of action works best for you contact Carrboro Family Medicine Center to book an appointment or set up an online meet-and-greet to find out more. 

Vitamins can help with allergies. Vitamin C for instance serves as a powerful antioxidant and reduces the severity of allergic reactions as well as helping your body fight off infections. Vitamin C decreases your histamine production which slows down your body’s reaction to environmental triggers. The amount of Vitamin C necessary to boost your immune system varies based on several factors but adult (19+) men and women require 90 mg and 65-75 mg respectively, and young children require 15mgs. Vitamin C is just one available allergy deterrent, consult your primary care physician to find out just how much Vitamin C you need to make a difference, and other alternative methods of fighting off annoying allergies. 

The best medication for allergies will vary depending on the nature of the allergy, the severity, the extent and duration of exposure, and many other personalized factors. The most effective course of action in determining which medicine works best for you is to consult with a primary care physician. At Carrboro Family Medicine Center physicians put patients first and work with them to determine the best method to prevent or mitigate their allergic reactions. 

Rarely, an allergy is so severe it leads to a life-threatening reaction in anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. These reactions affect the entire body and display themselves in difficulty breathing, confusion, lightheadedness, swelling of the throat or mouth, collapsing or loss of consciousness, or blue skin or lips. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Patients experiencing a reaction of this nature should head for immediate care at the emergency room. 

There are many types of allergies, but the most common are triggered by seven groups of external factors. Drug allergies, food allergies, insect allergies, latex allergies, mold allergies, pet allergies, and pollen allergies.  

Typically, symptoms of an allergic reaction begin to display themselves within a few minutes of exposure to the allergen. Sometimes, they appear more slowly, developing over hours. An undeniable inconvenience, most allergies are fairly mild, except anaphylaxis, a rare severe reaction.  

Among the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction are wheezing and chest tightness, coughing, sneezing, a blocked, runny, or itchy nose, hives, dry, red, or cracking skin, swollen tongue, eyes, face, or lips, watering eyes. Symptoms differ based on the nature of the allergy and how you interact with the allergen. 

It is important to see a physician if you are displaying the above symptoms and they can determine if the symptoms are being caused by an allergy or another condition. For those in North Carolina, the primary care physicians at Carrboro Family Medicine Center are a patient-centered option where everyone is welcome, and each patient is treated with dignity, respect, and appreciation. Carrboro Family Medicine Center uses a unique model of healthcare and cost-saving membership options for all your non-urgent care needs. Visit us today! For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients in Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, and surrounding areas.