Allergies: If you're allergic to airborne allergens they can lead to significant allergic disease and they can greatly impact your day-to-day life. The signs of allergies can range from mild irritations, like sneezing and itchy eyes, to more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. If you suspect that you may have allergies, it's essential to seek the help of an experienced allergy specialist.
Dr. Lisa Hutto, a board-certified allergist with over three decades of experience, is dedicated to providing top-quality allergy care with Lisa Hutto, MD: Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Disease in Columbia, South Carolina. Rather than just looking to treat the symptoms of allergies, Dr. Lisa Hutto's goal is to identify and address the root cause so that her patients can live a life free of discomfort and potential health risks.
For those in Columbia and the surrounding areas seeking relief from their allergies, Dr. Hutto provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. Whether you're encountering your first signs of allergies or seeking ongoing support for chronic symptoms, Dr. Hutto is here to help.
Are you ready to take the first step toward a more comfortable, allergy-free life? Schedule an appointment online with us and join the many patients who have found relief under the care of Dr. Lisa Hutto.
Allergic reactions happen when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, as threats. This misidentification triggers the release of histamines, which cause various symptoms like itching, swelling, and congestion. Less commonly known symptoms of allergies include a recurrent sore throat, persistent throat clearing, and a chronic cough. These symptoms can be mistaken for colds or other respiratory conditions, but they may actually indicate an allergic response.
Though we often think of allergies as primarily being identified during childhood, they can develop at any point in life. Factors like genetics, environment, and repeated exposure to allergens can all play a role in the onset of allergic reactions.
Dr. Hutto's office offers a comprehensive array of testing options to accurately identify allergies and tailor treatment plans to each patient's needs. Our testing options include:
Treatment for allergies varies depending on the type and severity of the allergic reaction. Medications are typically the first line of defense, with options ranging from over-the-counter antihistamines to prescription nasal sprays and eye drops. These medications can be taken daily for preventive measures or used as needed to manage symptoms.
However, for those with more persistent or severe allergies, Dr. Hutto may recommend immunotherapy, also called allergy injections, to gradually desensitize your body to allergens. Over time, immunotherapy can significantly reduce your allergic responses or even eliminate them. Allergy shots are considered disease modifying treatments which can eliminate the disease or improve the disease prognosis. Dr. Hutto provides privately scheduled allergy shots for each patient which markedly improves the allergy shot experience and offers an unmatched convenience with evening hours.
If you suspect you might be allergic to something, or if you experience symptoms like sneezing, congestion, sinus symptoms including headaches or difficulty breathing that could be allergy-related, it's essential to see an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, if you have a known allergy and are seeking long-term management and treatment options, an allergist like Dr. Hutto can help.
An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist primarily focuses on the physical structures and functions of the head and neck. Though this can include allergies, their primary area of expertise is in performing surgical procedures to treat chronic sinus disease, head and neck cancers and hearing loss.
Allergists, on the other hand, specialize specifically in allergies and immune system disorders. They have extensive training in diagnosing and treating allergies, and this is their primary area of focus.
Allergy shots are a disease modifying treatment (DMT), which means that they can change how your immune system responds to allergens. This process takes time, but many patients report significant relief and even elimination of their allergy symptoms after completing a full course of treatment.
In addition, another great way to eliminate allergies is to reduce your exposure to allergens. This might include avoiding certain foods, using air filters in your home, or regularly cleaning surfaces where allergens may collect.
Dr. Hutto's goal is to identify and address the root cause of your allergies so that you can live a comfortable, allergy-free life. By working with her and following her recommended treatment plan, you can significantly improve your quality of life and potentially even "cure" your allergies.
With our online scheduling tool, booking an appointment with an allergy doctor like Dr. Hutto is simple! Or, if you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can give us a call during our office hours. We look forward to helping you find relief from your allergies!