--- title: "Demystifying Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options" date: 2024-08-22T00:00:00-05:00 author: Hannah Keller canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/demystifying-allergies-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options" section: Blog --- [« View All Blogs](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog) # Demystifying Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options August 22, 2024 | Patient Education ![Man blowing his nose](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_50x16_crop_center-center_none/Demystifying-Allergies-blog-Hero.jpg) If you suffer from allergies, you know they can make life miserable. They can leave you constantly sneezing, itching and feeling run down. But you don't have to suffer through allergy season anymore. At Schneck Medical Center, our team is dedicated to helping you find relief and getting you back to thoroughly enjoying your daily routine symptom-free. ![Young boy receives allergy testing on his forearm](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_42x65_fit_center-center_none/Demystifying-Allergies-Blog-Content.jpg) ## Common Allergens & Symptoms of Allergic Reactions The first step toward managing allergies is identifying specific triggers with method like allergy testing, where possible irritants are introduced to the body and observed. An allergy test can determine if you're reacting to common culprits like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, or insect stings. For many in our rural community, seasonal allergies flare up during planting season in spring and harvest time in fall when higher pollen and mold counts fill the air. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny or stuffy nose and watery eyes. Severe reactions may include hives, face or throat swelling, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Don't let prime allergy times ruin your outdoor adventures - get ahead of symptoms by seeking care. ## Treatment Options at Schneck When it comes to managing your allergies, Schneck offers many options based on your specific needs. More common treatment options - antihistamines and nasal sprays - work by blocking the histamine response. Once the histamine response is blocked, the typical allergy symptoms (sneezing, itching and runny nose) most experience are reduced for a period of time. Of course, like any medication, there can be side effects, so it's important to discuss all options with your doctor. For those dealing with more stubborn or severe allergy symptoms, we offer advanced treatment options. But what if your allergies are more severe and over-the-counter meds aren't cutting it? Don't worry. We've got a powerful option - allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy consists of injections that include a small amount of the allergen(s) that you're particularly sensitive to. Over time, your doctor will increase the amount you get (dosage), which will help your body fight the allergen and eventually build up a tolerance. Immunotherapy could provide long-lasting benefits to those who suffer from allergies. In case of severe, life-threatening reactions like struggling to breathe or anaphylaxis, your provider will ensure you have easy access to emergency epinephrine auto-injectors, like EpiPens. These crucial devices can quickly reverse severe symptoms until further medical care arrives. Don't keep suffering through allergies - our team is here to help you find the comprehensive care you need to breathe easily again. ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Your Primary Care Providers Our knowledgeable providers at Schneck Primary Care are experienced in diagnosing and treating allergies. We take a preventive approach and work closely with you to manage your health. Our dedicated providers will help you understand your allergies and find the best treatment plan. ![Doctor Baker](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrBaker.jpg) ### D. Robert Baker, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/d-robert-baker) ![Doctor Hartung](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrHartung.jpg) ### David J. Hartung, DO Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/david-j-hartung) ![Doctor Rebecca Hennessy](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrRebeccaHennessy.jpg) ### Rebecca R. Hennessy, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/rebecca-r-hennessy) ![Doctor Ryan Hennessy](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrRyanHennessy.jpg) ### Ryan S. Hennessy, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/ryan-s-hennessy) ![headshot of Lisa K. Hoffhaus, MD](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrLisaHoffhaus-3x3.jpg) ### Lisa K. Hoffhaus, MD Primary Care, OBGYN [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/lisa-k-hoffhaus) ![Dr. Desha Secrest](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DashaSecrest4-3x3.jpg) ### Desha Secrest, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/desha-secrest) ![Dr Stephanie Williams](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrStephanieWilliams-300x300.jpg) ### Stephanie Williams, DO Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/stephanie-williams) ![Terri Agan](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/TerriAgan.jpg) ### Terri J. Agan, FNP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/terri-j-agan) ![Bret Cornn](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/BretCornn.jpg) ### Bret A. Cornn, PA-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/bret-a-cornn) ![Doctor Lynn Driver](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/LynnDriver-sq.jpg) ### Lynnelle Driver, PA-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/lynnelle-driver) ![Rhonda Fountain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/RhondaFountain.jpg) ### Rhonda L. Fountain, FNP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/rhonda-l-fountain) ![headshot of Tara Pearcy, APRN, FNP-C, WHNP-BC](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/Tara-Pearcy-3x3.jpg) ### Tara Pearcy, APRN, FNP-C, WHNP-BC Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/tara-pearcy) ![](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/ProfVelvet-copy.jpg) ### Velvet M. Schmidt, AGPCNP-C, FNP-BC Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/velvet-m-schmidt) ![Kirby Stacks](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/KirbyStacks-copy.jpg) ### Kirby E. Stacks, NP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/kirby-e-stacks) [View All Providers](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) ## Seek Allergy Relief at Schneck If unexplained sneezing, itching or other annoying symptoms have you wondering, "Are these allergies?" It's time to take control. Schedule an appointment so our providers can help pinpoint your allergens and develop a personalized plan. We'll consider lifestyle adjustments, diet, medications and more. [Call](tel:812-522-2349) ## Related Blog Posts When seeking support, rely on your nearby professionals at Schneck. We provide assistance to empower you in taking control of your well-being at all life stages. Explore valuable expertise in connected blogs. ![Young man sits in bed, unwell, blowing his nose](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/Hero-Springtime-Illnesses-Blog-2.jpg) Preventative Care### All You Need to Know about Springtime Illnesses [Read Post »](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-springtime-illnesses) ![Four probiotic supplement bottles displayed in a row, labeled ION Gut Support, Schneck Probiotic Assist, Ortho-Biotic, and Protocol Chewable Probiotic.](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Blog/_30x19_crop_center-center_none/blog-photo-copy.jpg) Lifestyle Tips### A Boost for Your Immune System This Winter [Read Post »](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/a-boost-for-your-immune-system-this-winter) [Previous Blog](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/schneck-mental-health-wellness-welcomes-brieanne-jungels-md) [Next Blog ](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/preventing-and-managing-childhood-illnesses-tips-for-parents) [## Ready to Serve Find a Doctor ](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) [## Comprehensive Care Medical Services ](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services) [## Locations Near You View Locations ](https://www.schneckmed.org/locations) ## Let's Keep in Touch Sign up to receive Schneck news and health & wellness updates in your inbox.