Allergy Care for Children and Adults

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergies can show up in many ways. Some symptoms are mild or occasional, while others can be ongoing or disruptive.

Common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Skin reactions, such as rashes or hives
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Ongoing congestion or sinus pressure
• Reactions to certain foods or medications

Symptoms may come and go with the seasons, or they may happen year‑round.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies happen when the body reacts to something that is usually harmless.

Common allergy triggers include:

• Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds
• Dust, mold, or other indoor allergens
• Pet dander
• Foods, such as peanuts, milk, or shellfish
• Medications

Understanding what is causing your symptoms is the first step in finding the right treatment.

When Should You See an Allergy Specialist?

You may benefit from seeing an allergy specialist if symptoms:

• Do not improve with over-the-counter allergy medication
• Affect breathing or daily activities
• Return often or become more severe
• Make it hard to identify triggers

Your primary care provider can recommend a specialist and make sure you are connected to the right care at the right time, or you can schedule an appointment with our allergy specialist, Dr. Ogechukwu Ndum, directly.

Allergy Testing and Diagnosis

Allergy testing helps identify what is triggering your symptoms and guides the next steps in care.

Beebe offers a range of testing options, including:

• Skin or blood testing
  These tests help identify reactions to foods, medications, and environmental allergens. Skin testing often provides quick and accurate results.
• Immunology blood testing
  Blood tests may be used when immune system concerns or recurring infections are part of your symptoms.
• Allergy challenges
  Carefully supervised testing may be used to observe reactions, especially for food allergies in children.

Every test is chosen based on your symptoms, history, overall health, and your provider’s expert knowledge.

Allergy Treatment Options

Treatment plans are built around your symptoms and goals. The focus is on improving daily life and preventing more serious reactions.

Care may include:

• Over‑the‑counter and prescription medications
  Many patients start with common allergy medicines to control symptoms.
• Ongoing treatment plans
  For more persistent symptoms, treatment may include regular medications or care plans to prevent flare‑ups.
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
  A long‑term option that can help reduce sensitivity to certain allergens over time.
• Advanced therapies
  In some cases, newer treatments may be used to reduce the severity of allergic conditions.

Your care team will help you understand when simple treatments are enough and when additional support may help.

Allergies and Asthma: Care Designed Around You

Allergies and asthma are often connected. For some patients, allergies can trigger breathing problems or make asthma worse.

Allergy care at Beebe is not one‑size‑fits‑all. Treatment plans are based on your symptoms, your triggers, and your health history.

This approach focuses on the whole person, not just one symptom, and helps improve breathing, comfort, and long‑term health.

A Team That Knows This Community

For more than 100 years, Beebe has cared for Sussex County. Today, allergy care at Beebe brings together that long‑standing commitment with modern tools, expanded services, and connected care through MyChart.

This is care delivered by people who understand this community, and are here to help you feel your best.

Support That Goes Beyond Symptoms

Managing allergies is about more than treating reactions. Beebe helps patients build long‑term plans, understand triggers, and feel more in control of their health.

Feeling better day to day starts with the right care and the right support.