Allergies Specialist

At Kratz Allergy, Dr. Jaime Kratz helps Port Richey and Trinity, Florida residents who suffer from allergies manage and reduce their symptoms. Regarded by many patients as one of the region’s top allergists, Dr. Kratz has helped many people in the area and is pleased to continue serving the communities near his practice.

Allergies

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are the body’s natural response to fighting off perceived threats. Some people’s immune system mistake innocuous foreign bodies, such as pollen, dander or pet fur, for dangerous threats. To rid the body of these perceived threats, the body’s immune system can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild stuffy noses to anaphylactic shock. Other common symptoms include itching, sneezing, wheezing and rashes.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

Many people who suffer from allergies realize they’re allergic to something. An allergist can help patients identify precisely what they’re allergic to. Skin testing exposes patients to specific potential allergens. There are two types of skin testing: skin scratch testing and intradermal skin testing. By watching how the body reacts during these two tests, an allergist can tell what particular allergens and what families of allergens trigger allergic responses.

What Allergy Treatments Are Available?

Allergists use allergy shots to reduce and possibly eliminate allergy symptoms. Allergy shots expose the body to minute amounts of the allergens it’s allergic to. As the body is exposed to these allergens, it’s reaction subsides. Shots are typically administered on a weekly basis to start, with the frequency eventually being phased to monthly.

Who Can Benefit from Allergy Testing?

Anyone who has allergy symptoms might benefit from visiting an allergist. Testing is a simple procedure that almost all patients can undergo, and it will reveal whether allergy shots will be effective in alleviating the symptoms. Testing is appropriate both for patients with severe allergies and those with only mild symptoms.