More than 50 million people in the United States live with allergies ranging from seasonal hay fever to severe food allergies. The experienced, highly skilled allergists at Surgical Associates Northwest provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of allergies at our ENT clinics in Federal Way and Auburn, WA. With our allergy program, you receive a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.
Suffering From Constant Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, such as pollen, pet dander, foods, or medications. Instead of ignoring these triggers, your body releases chemicals that cause inflammation and uncomfortable symptoms. You may experience sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, coughing, or digestive issues. In more serious cases, allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening reaction that affects breathing, blood pressure, and multiple body systems at once.
Signs & Symptoms of Allergies
Allergy symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may affect multiple parts of the body, often appearing after exposure to a specific trigger.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing or postnasal drip
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Nasal or sinus congestion
- Coughing or wheezing
- Skin rashes, hives, or itching
- Swelling of the lips, face, or eyelids
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies develop when your immune system, which normally protects your nose, sinuses, lungs, skin, and digestive tract, mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. This overreaction triggers the release of chemicals that lead to inflammation and uncomfortable symptoms throughout the body, often affecting multiple systems at the same time.
Common allergy triggers may include:
- Airborne pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds
- Dust mites found in household environments
- Mold spores in damp or humid areas
- Pet dander from cats, dogs, or other animals
- Certain foods, such as nuts, shellfish, or dairy
- Insect stings or bites
- Medications, including antibiotics or aspirin
- Latex or other chemical exposures
Types of Allergies
Common allergy and related issues that we help treat and prevent include:
- Drug allergies
- Dust allergies
- Eye allergies
- Food allergies
- Insect allergies
- Latex allergies
- Mold allergies
- Penicillin allergies
- Pet allergies
- Pollen allergies
- Seasonal allergies
- Skin allergies
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Pediatric allergies
Your Allergy Testing & Treatment Experience
Allergy Testing
Your allergy testing experience begins with a detailed consultation, during which your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and identifies possible triggers.
During skin testing, small amounts of common allergens are gently placed on or just beneath the surface of your skin, usually on your forearm or back. Your provider closely monitors the area for redness or swelling, which helps identify specific sensitivities in real time.
If blood testing is needed, a small blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory to measure immune responses to allergens. Once the results are available, you review them together and discuss how they guide a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and symptoms.
Allergy Treatment
Treatment options for allergies include allergen avoidance, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and immunotherapy. Antihistamines, which can stop your body from producing the histamines that cause allergy symptoms, are the most common type of allergy treatment. Many types of antihistamines are conveniently available over the counter.
However, many conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, don’t respond well to over-the-counter medications but do respond well to allergy shots. And with the convenience of being able to receive allergy shots near Federal Way and Auburn, patients are able to enjoy the benefit of quick relief and working with a local specialist to manage allergies.
If you have severe or chronic allergies, you may want to look into tailored treatment methods. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our specialists can evaluate your specific allergy and symptoms to develop an effective plan for treating your allergies. If you have an allergy that could result in anaphylaxis, you may need to carry an epinephrine pen, which contains a dose of a life-saving medication you can inject in case of emergency.
In helping patients receive the most effective treatments, our allergy team focuses on prevention and education, which are fundamental to ensuring patients can effectively partner in their care.
Allergy Testing & Treatment FAQs
How Do You Know Which Allergy Test Is Right for You?
Your provider considers your symptoms, medical history, age, and suspected triggers when selecting a test. Skin testing is often preferred for its quick results, while blood testing may be recommended if you have certain skin conditions, take medications that interfere with testing, or have a higher risk of severe reactions.
Does Allergy Testing Hurt?
Most allergy tests cause little to no discomfort. Skin testing may feel like a light scratch or mild itch, and any irritation usually fades within a short time. Blood testing involves a standard blood draw and is typically well-tolerated.
How Long Does Allergy Testing Take?
Skin testing is usually completed within one appointment and often provides results in about 15 to 30 minutes. Blood test results take longer, as they must be analyzed by a laboratory, but they still offer valuable insight into your triggers.
What Happens After Your Test Results Are Available?
Once your results are reviewed, your provider explains what each sensitivity means for you. Together, you discuss avoidance strategies, medication options, and whether immunotherapy may help reduce your reactions over time.
Are Allergy Shots Safe and Effective?
Allergy shots are a well-established treatment that gradually trains your immune system to tolerate allergens. They are administered in controlled doses under medical supervision and are considered safe for many patients with moderate to severe allergies.
How Long Does Immunotherapy Treatment Last?
Immunotherapy typically involves a build-up phase followed by a maintenance phase, which can last several years. Many patients notice symptom improvement within the first year, with long-term relief continuing after treatment is completed.
Will Treatment Completely Cure Your Allergies?
While allergies cannot always be cured, proper testing and treatment can significantly reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Many patients experience fewer reactions and less reliance on medications with ongoing care.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has been a pillar of the community for 40+ years, providing dependable care you can count on. When you’re dealing with ongoing allergy symptoms, timely access matters. Our team offers better availability than many hospital-based ENT groups, so you’re not left waiting weeks for relief. Schedule your allergy testing and treatment consultation in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, today.
