Allergies

Several different types of allergies currently affect 1 in 5 Americans. An allergy starts when your immune system reacts to a substance that may not be harmful but is recognized as a foreign allergen. An allergen can include pollen, mold, animal dander, certain foods, chemicals, toxicants, and skin irritants.

What Types of Allergies Are There?​

The immune system will produce antibodies against that particular allergen. When the body detects the allergen again, the antibodies release histamine, causing allergy-type symptoms. The response may inflame your sinuses, skin, airway, or digestive system. Once you develop an allergy, you are more likely to develop another one.


Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Michigan is a collection of varied medical and health care systems, treatments, and products that are not regarded as part of conventional medicine or not integrated into the dominant health care paradigm. Conventional medicine (Western or allopathic medicine) is practiced by MDs (medical doctors) and DOs (doctors of osteopathic medicine) and by other health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, physical therapists, and nurses. “Complementary medicine” denotes the use of complementary and alternative medicine together with conventional medicine. “Alternative medicine” is a method that replaces conventional treatment and therapy.
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Most Common Types of Allergens

Airbone

  • Allergies: Pollen, animal dander, mold, and dust mites
  • Certain Foods: Peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts, eggs, fish, milk, and shellfish

Insect

  • Insect Sting: Wasp and bee stings
  • Latex or Other Substances That Contact Skin: These allergens produce skin reactions if touched

Medications

  • Penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics

Do You Suffer recurring allergies?
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Do You Suffer from Recurring Allergies?
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Allergic reactions vary widely

Some only show up as mild skin irritation. Some are life-threatening and severe, like anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that can trigger a shock in the body. Food and insect sting allergies are capable of triggering anaphylaxis. The signs of an anaphylactic reaction include swelling of the mouth or throat, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, skin rash, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting.

More common symptoms

  • Sneezing
  • Congested Sinus
  • Runny Nose
  • Red/Itchy Skin/Hives
  • Watery/Itchy Eyes
  • Sinus Pressure & Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Itchy Mouth
  • Swelling of Lips, Tongue,
  • Face or Throat
  • Sore Throat
  • Asthma
  • Chest Tightness
  • Eczema

How Can I Treat Allergies?

Traditional Approach

The traditional approach to treating an allergy includes medications to reduce immune system reactions and temporarily suppress symptoms. You may feel quick relief, but these medications do not balance the immune system or improve immune function.

Learning how to properly detox, balance your gut flora, and enhance your immune system will help you effectively conquer your battle with the allergy.

Naturopathic Approach

Multiple contributing factors causing allergies can be assessed:

Avoiding the allergen is usually the initial step to managing your allergy. However, we are exposed to many toxicants in our environment that we cannot avoid, and it is our responsibility to detox our body and surroundings. Purchasing an air purifier and filtering our water can be a small step that impacts our health for many years to come.

Following one of Dr. Cutler’s allergy treatment plans can help you find relief from your allergy symptoms. During your new patient visit at Cutler Integrative Medicine, Dr. Cutler and his team can give you more specific information on when you can expect to start seeing symptom reduction.

Dr. Cutler and the Cutler Integrative Medicine Detox Division will devise a detailed plan for you to determine your food sensitivities and safely remove toxicants from your body.

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