Are Allergies Driving You Crazy?

Do you suffer from any of the following symptoms?

• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose and sneezing
  
• Post nasal drip and chronic cough
• Hives
• Hayfever

More than 9 million Canadians suffer from allergies. Allergies most often develop during childhood, but may appear at any age. Children who have an allergic parent are more likely to develop allergies. Some of the most common environmental allergens are pollens, moulds, dust, animals and insect stings. Testing can help you determine if you are suffering from an allergy and to identify the cause so that you can be on your way to feeling better. We will work with you to manage your symptoms.

We offer in office skin scratch testing for:

• Trees
• Grasses
  
• Weeds
  
• Dust mites
• Cat dander
• Ragweed
• Mold
• Dog dander

This quick procedure involves pricking the skin (usually the inner forearm) with a small amount of the allergen and measuring a response. Several allergens can be tested at one time. You will be provided specific instructions on test preparation upon booking.

If you have a severe life threatening allergy, we recommend you consult with your Allergist for the most suitable treatment recommendations. We do not offer food allergy testing, this must be done by your allergist.

Environmental Allergy Management

Our Naturopathic Doctors will review with you all available natural and mainstream therapeutic options including a review of lifestyle and environmental modifications, antihistamines, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or referral to an allergist for immunotherapy.

Food Intolerances or Sensitivities

Have you ever wondered if you are suffering from undiagnosed food sensitivities or in tolerances?

A food intolerance is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your system leading to usually digestive complaints. True food allergies often present with more severe symptoms such as hives, anaphylaxis, bloody stools, vomiting, severe cramps or even fainting. The most common food allergens include cow dairy, although wheat, citrus, soy, eggs, corn, shellfish, peanuts and other nuts. Individuals who have food allergies, eczema and asthma may have a genetic disposition thus obtaining a thorough family history is important. Food allergies usually trigger a hypersensitivity reaction in the body which causes the release of IgE antibodies. IgE mediated allergic reactions typically occur within minutes to hours after exposure to the food of concern. These may be tested via skin prick testing or by blood IgE level testing by an  allergist.

Sometimes a reaction to a food is not an allergy but a sensitivity or intolerance or all together another medical concern.  We offer consultations and assessment options for food sensitivities and intolerances and offer supervised diet guidance. If you are concerned about a life threatening allergy ie. peanut allergy, we recommend you consult a medical doctor for a referral to an Allergist for testing.