What Are Allergies and How Are They Treated?

At Sunset Hills Family Practice, we understand how disruptive and sometimes frightening allergic reactions can be for individuals and families. Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance—such as pollen, certain foods, or pet dander—as a threat. These substances are called allergens.
 
When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system produces special antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies attach to cells in your body called mast cells and basophils, which are found in tissues like the skin, lungs, and digestive system. The next time you’re exposed to the allergen, it binds to the IgE antibodies on these cells, causing them to release chemicals such as histamine.
 
Histamine is responsible for the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction: swelling, redness, itching, and increased mucus production. At Sunset Hills Family Practice, we frequently see allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, hives, eczema, and even digestive issues such as nausea or diarrhea.
 
In rare cases, these reactions can become severe and lead to anaphylaxis—a medical emergency that causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and even shock. If you ever experience severe allergic symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.
 
Our team at Sunset Hills Family Practice is dedicated to helping you and your family identify, manage, and treat allergies. We offer allergy assessments, testing, education, and personalized treatment plans to help you live comfortably and confidently.

At Sunset Hills Family Practice, we understand that allergies affect patients of all ages and can significantly impact daily life. Our experienced providers help diagnose and manage food, environmental, medication, and insect sting allergies with personalized care plans.

Common food allergies such as peanuts, eggs, shellfish, and dairy can range from mild discomfort to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Our team works closely with you to identify triggers and develop strategies for prevention and safety.

Environmental allergies caused by pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander often lead to congestion, watery eyes, or asthma symptoms. We offer testing and treatment options to help you breathe easier throughout the year.

If you experience rashes or reactions to certain medications or insect stings, our team can assess your symptoms, recommend safe alternatives, and discuss emergency prevention methods.

Recognizing allergy symptoms early is key to preventing complications. At Sunset Hills Family Practice, we are committed to helping you understand your triggers and manage allergic conditions effectively—so you and your family can enjoy healthier, more comfortable lives.

At Sunset Hills Family Practice, our experienced healthcare providers use a comprehensive approach to diagnose the cause of allergies in our patients. The process starts with a detailed medical history, where your provider will ask about your symptoms—such as when they occur, their severity, and any factors that may trigger or relieve them. We’ll also discuss your family history of allergies, your living and work environments, your diet, and any recent exposure to new medications or substances.
 
Next, our team conducts a thorough physical examination to check for signs of allergic reactions, such as rashes, swelling, or nasal congestion. If needed, we may recommend specific allergy tests that are conveniently coordinated through our practice. These may include skin prick tests, where small amounts of potential allergens are introduced to your skin to observe for a reaction, or blood tests that measure allergy-related antibodies like immunoglobulin E (IgE).
 
For patients suspected of having food allergies, our providers at Sunset Hills Family Practice can guide you through elimination diets or challenge tests. During these tests, certain foods are removed from your diet and then reintroduced under close medical supervision to monitor for allergic reactions.

Throughout this diagnostic process, our compassionate team at Sunset Hills Family Practice carefully reviews all findings to pinpoint the specific allergen responsible for your symptoms and to rule out other possible causes. This thorough, personalized approach helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and allows us to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Allergies are a common condition we frequently see at Sunset Hills Family Practice. They occur when your immune system overreacts to substances that are normally harmless—such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods, or insect stings. Many of our patients ask if allergies can be cured, or if treatment simply helps manage the symptoms.

Currently, most allergies cannot be completely cured. Our approach at Sunset Hills Family Practice focuses on helping you control your symptoms and prevent allergic reactions, so you can live your life as comfortably as possible. This typically involves identifying and avoiding your specific allergens, using medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids when needed, and, in some cases, considering allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Immunotherapy is a treatment we may discuss for some patients. It involves gradually exposing your body to increasing amounts of an allergen, which can help reduce your sensitivity over time. While some people experience long-term relief with immunotherapy, it is not a guaranteed cure, and results vary from person to person. This treatment is most often used for allergies to pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and insect stings.

When it comes to food allergies, strict avoidance of the problem food is still the safest strategy. Research is ongoing into new treatments, but currently, there is no universally effective or risk-free cure.

While allergies can often be well controlled with the right treatment and strategies, a true cure isn’t available for most people. At Sunset Hills Family Practice, we stay up-to-date on the latest research and tailor our care to your individual needs. If you suspect you have allergies or are struggling with allergy symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a personalized plan to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At Sunset Hills Family Practice in Henderson, NV, Dr. Cornell Calinescu, MD, provides comprehensive allergy treatment focused on improving long-term comfort and overall well-being. With a patient-centered and preventive care approach, Dr. Calinescu takes the time to understand each individual’s symptoms, environment, and health history to design treatment plans that address the root cause of allergic reactions—not just the symptoms.
 
Visit Sunset Hills Family Practice to manage seasonal or chronic allergies from a compassionate and detailed approach designed to restore comfort and well-being. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 2510 Wigwam Pkwy Suite 102, Henderson, NV 89074. We serve patients from Henderson NV, Midway NV, Paradise Hills NV, Gibson Springs NV, Whitney NV, Boulder City NV, Winchester NV, and surrounding areas.