Systemic Chronic Inflammation, Allergies, and Autoimmunity
Systemic Chronic Inflammation caused by allergies, microorganisms, pathogens, environmental and food substances can result in body, muscle, and joint pain as well as fatigue, depression, anxiety, weight gain, brain fog, and gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrea, acid reflux and bloating). It can progress, or worsen, other disorders such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Arthritis, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Asthma/Allergies, Dementia and Obesity.
Left untreated, your immune system can become “hyperactive”, attacking healthy cells, resulting in autoimmune reactions, or may over-respond to low-grade stimuli resulting in a neverending cycle of the aforementioned symptoms and/or excerbation of:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Lyme disease
- Alopecia Aerata
- Crohn’s disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Some forms of psoriasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Autoimmune arthritis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Myositis
- Endometriosis
- Interstitial cystitis
Other Associated Conditions related to Allergies
Sleep Apnea/Snoring,, Irritability, Migraines, Canker Sores, Hair Loss/Alopecia, Frequent Sinus/Ear Infections, Gastritis/Acid Reflux, Frequent Colds/Bronchitis, Dizziness, Dark Circles Under Eyes, Shortness of Breath, Wheezing/Coughing.
Testing Available
We offer various tests to find the root cause of your symptoms. You may need one or a few based on your symptoms and history.
Allergy Skin Scratch tests
Skin scratch tests involve applying known allergens directly to your skin using an applicator with pricked tips on your arm. This test is useful in determining acute allergic reactions to environmental (animals, dust, plants, molds, and weeds) and food sources. Developing a small bump at the site of application is a positive indication that the substance is an allergy trigger. We will carefully monitor your health throughout the skin allergy test. Results are available immediately after testing.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be used to isolate microorganisms, substances, or toxic materials and/or antibodies that are produced when you make contact with an allergen.
Testing for the presence of IgG antibodies is useful for individuals who suspect that a food is responsible for causing their symptoms. The presence of circulating IgG antibodies to foods may also be suggestive of increased intestinal permeability, also referred to as “leaky gut syndrome”, resulting in a greater immune response. Your blood will be drawn in our office and will take 1-2 weeks to process
Gastrointestinal (GI) Stool Tests
Poor eating habits, medications, stress, smoking, and more can encourage the growth of unhealthy bacteria triggering a cascade of inflammation resulting in systemic chronic health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancers, and more.
Comprehensive stool tests, are collected at home, and provides valuable information about digestion, inflammation, and bacterial overgrowth to identify the source and possible diagnosis to explain your symptoms such as pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, inflammation, food allergies, harmful organisms. Results are available within 1-2 weeks.
Nutritional and Toxic Exposure Testing
Blood and urine samples are collected to assess functional, metabolic and nutritional status to identify root causes of dysfunction and provide a systems-based approach overcome chronic conditions. You will be provided with personalized vitamin and nutritional recommendations to support immune balance based on your results within 1-2 weeks.
Treatment
Determining your triggers, or cause of your symptoms, can help us figure out how to best treat your condition. We will discuss treatment options, including dietary changes, avoidance, lifestyle management, supplements, medication, immunotherapy (“allergy shots”), or low dose antigen therapy if appropriate. You will be provided with a personalized care plan including strategies to control your symptoms and prevent further progression.
Insurance Coverage
Allergy scratch testing and immunotherapy (allergy therapy) are typically covered by most major insurance plans. Coverage for allergy blood testing and/or food sensitivities varies.
