Allergy

Authored by Chris McDermott, APRN, practicing with autonomous authority in Florida

Background: The Nature of Allergic Reactions

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance—such as pollen, food proteins, or pet dander—as a threat. In response, it mounts an exaggerated inflammatory reaction, often mediated by IgE antibodies and histamine release.

While allergies are commonly considered genetic or hereditary in nature, their expression is heavily influenced by gut health, environmental toxin exposure, dietary habits, and overall immune system function. A general tendency toward allergic responses often reflects a hyperreactive immune profile and impaired barrier function.

Functional medicine recognizes that allergic conditions—whether respiratory, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, or systemic—are often driven by deeper physiologic imbalances. Addressing these root contributors is key to restoring tolerance and reducing allergic burden.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergy and Sensitivity

Allergic reactions can affect nearly every body system. The severity and type of symptoms vary depending on the allergen involved, the route of exposure, and individual immune response.

Skin and Dermatologic:

• Itching, burning, or hives

• Flushing or sweating

• Red spots or rashes

• Eczema and dermatitis

ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat):

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or runny nose

• Sore, dry, or irritated throat

• Hoarseness, postnasal drip

• Ringing in the ears or dizziness

Eyes:

• Redness and swelling of eyelids

• Tearing or dryness

• Light sensitivity

• Eye pain or twitching

Respiratory System:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath

• Chest tightness

• Mucus production or chronic cough

• Asthma exacerbations

Cardiovascular:

• Palpitations or rapid heartbeat

• Flushing or tingling

• Syncope or faintness

Gastrointestinal (GI):

• Bloating, gas, or indigestion

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Rectal itching or discomfort

• Unintentional weight gain from food allergies

Musculoskeletal and Neurologic:

• Joint stiffness, pain, or swelling

• Headaches or migraines

• Numbness or tingling

• Muscle fatigue or tremors

• Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)

• Irritability or mood swings

The diversity of symptoms underscores the systemic nature of allergy and sensitivity responses. Many individuals with chronic symptoms affecting multiple systems may be experiencing unrecognized allergic or immune triggers.

Diagnostic Assessment of Allergy

A thorough allergy workup includes both conventional testing and functional assessments. Standard tests often identify acute IgE-mediated reactions, but broader evaluations may be necessary to uncover delayed hypersensitivities or immune imbalances.

Diagnostic Tools Include:

• Blood Tests for Antibodies:

  • IgE: Immediate-type allergic responses

  • IgG and IgM: Delayed sensitivities

• Elimination Diets and Oral Food Challenges: Systematic removal/reintroduction of allergens

• Gut Health Assessment:

  • Secretory IgA (sIgA): Frontline mucosal defense

• Comprehensive Symptom History and Timeline Mapping

Functional medicine also emphasizes barrier integrity; a low sIgA level may reflect immune exhaustion or gut permeability, increasing sensitivity to allergens.

Root Causes of Allergic Sensitization

While genetics can predispose individuals to allergic tendencies, the environment and internal biochemistry often dictate onset and severity.

Contributing Factors Include:

• Poor Digestive Function (low stomach acid, enzyme output)

• Leaky Gut Syndrome (intestinal hyperpermeability)

• Chronic Dysbiosis
  

• Reduced Mucosal Immunity (low sIgA)
  

• Chronic Stress (HPA axis dysregulation)
  

• Environmental Toxins (pesticides, mold, heavy metals)

Repeated exposure in a sensitized system leads to amplification of immune response and lower tolerance thresholds.

Clinical Implications of Chronic Allergy

Persistent allergic activation may contribute to or exacerbate numerous conditions beyond classic allergic diagnoses:

• Allergic Rhinitis
  
• Asthma
  
• Eczema
  
• Food Allergies
  
• Chronic Sinusitis
  
• Autoimmune Reactivity
  
• Mood and Cognitive Disorders
  
  

Untreated allergies may promote systemic inflammation and immune overactivation, contributing to more complex chronic diseases over time.

Medication and Testing Interference

Certain medications and factors can affect allergy-related biomarkers:

• Antihistamines: Suppress test results

• Corticosteroids: Suppress antibody levels

• Immune-modulating Drugs: Obscure diagnostic clarity

• Current Illness: Nonspecific Ig elevation

• Recent Allergen Avoidance: May yield false-negatives

Timing, medication history, and symptom patterns must all be considered.

Functional Medicine Management Strategy

Our allergy management focuses on reducing immune overactivation, restoring barrier function, and enhancing long-term resilience.

Integrative Approach Includes:

1. Elimination & Rotation Diets

2. Gut Restoration Protocols: Probiotics, digestive enzymes, gut-healing nutrients

3. Immune Support & Modulation: Quercetin, vitamin C, NAC, omega-3s; adaptogens

4. Environmental Allergen Reduction: HEPA filters, mold remediation

5. Stress Management & Lifestyle Optimization: Sleep hygiene, mindfulness

6. Periodic Biomarker Reassessment

Further Reading

• Sicherer SH, Sampson HA. “Food allergy: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.” J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;133(2):291–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2013.11.020

• Platts-Mills TA. “The Role of Immunoglobulin E in Allergy and Asthma.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001;164(8 Pt 2):S1–S6. https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.164.8.2103020

• Bischoff SC. “‘Gut health’: a new objective in medicine?” BMC Med. 2011;9:24. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-9-24

• Leung DY. “New insights into atopic dermatitis: role of skin barrier and immune dysregulation.” Allergy Asthma Proc. 2000;21(2):69–75. https://doi.org/10.2500/108854100778650280

• Fiocchi A, Bouygue GR, Restani P. “IgG‐mediated food hypersensitivity: a false concept?” Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2011;106(5):378–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2011.03.009

Conclusion

Allergies signify deeper immune and barrier dysfunction, not merely isolated reactions. Through functional medicine evaluations led by our nurse practitioner team, we combine biomarker testing with lifestyle, dietary, and environmental interventions to address root causes and restore tolerance. Experience relief and lasting wellness with targeted care that goes beyond symptom control.

We also offer IV Therapy and Peptide Therapy to support immune and tissue repair. For allergy testing or a personalized functional medicine plan, call (904) 799-2531 or schedule online.