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Top Allergist in Alexandria, VA

Top Allergist in Alexandria, VA

Amerimmune Clinic offering personalized allergy care tailored to each patient’s needs. With advanced diagnostic techniques and effective treatment plans, Dr. Oral Alpan, MD, and his experienced team help patients manage allergies for improved quality of life. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3541 W Braddock Road Suite 130 Alexandria, VA 22304.

Top Allergist Near Me in Alexandria, VA
Top Allergist Near Me in Alexandria, VA

Table of Contents:

How can I know if I need to see an allergist?
What tests does an allergist perform for allergies?
How is an allergy diagnosis made?
What is the difference between seasonal and year-round allergies?

How can I know if I need to see an allergist?


At Amerimmune Clinic, we understand the significant impact allergies and immune-related conditions can have on your overall health and quality of life. Determining when to consult one of our allergy specialists depends on the frequency, severity, and effects of your symptoms on daily living. If you experience ongoing or recurrent issues such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties, these symptoms may indicate an underlying allergic or immune condition requiring specialized evaluation.

Additionally, persistent skin reactions such as eczema, hives, or unexplained swelling warrant consultation with one of our expert immunologists or allergists. We offer comprehensive diagnostic testing—including advanced skin and blood tests—to pinpoint the specific allergens or immunological triggers contributing to your symptoms.

If your allergy symptoms disrupt your sleep, interfere with daily tasks, or diminish your overall quality of life, it is important to seek consultation. If your symptoms worsen over time, our specialists can develop a personalized management plan tailored specifically to your immune health needs.

Furthermore, if you have experienced severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis—characterized by symptoms like trouble breathing, dizziness, swelling of the mouth or throat, or a sudden drop in blood pressure—seek immediate medical attention, followed by evaluation and preventive management at Amerimmune Clinic.

Individuals with conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, or allergic rhinitis (hay fever) typically benefit significantly from our specialized care. By identifying your personal triggers and developing specialized treatment protocols, our specialists can help effectively manage your symptoms.

What tests does an allergist perform for allergies?


At Amerimmune Clinic, our specialists utilize advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and manage allergies, helping patients achieve optimal immune health and improved quality of life.

Skin testing is one of the primary allergy diagnostic tools we use at Amerimmune Clinic. During this procedure, our allergist carefully applies small amounts of potential allergens to the patient’s skin, typically on the forearm or back. Within 15 to 20 minutes, we closely monitor the area for signs of allergic reactions, including redness, swelling, or itching. This rapid and effective test helps our specialists quickly pinpoint the substances causing allergic responses.

In addition to skin testing, Amerimmune Clinic often employs allergy blood testing, which measures allergen-specific antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). Using advanced tests such as ImmunoCAP and RAST (radioallergosorbent test), we can accurately detect allergies to foods, environmental allergens, insect venom, and certain medications. Blood testing is especially beneficial for patients who have skin conditions, take certain medications, or have experienced severe allergic reactions that prevent them from undergoing skin testing.

For patients with suspected food allergies, Amerimmune Clinic provides oral food challenges conducted safely under our medical supervision. 

Our allergists also utilize patch testing when evaluating allergic contact dermatitis. During this test, small amounts of suspected allergens are applied via skin patches placed typically on the patient’s back and left in place for approximately 48 hours. After removal, our specialists carefully examine the skin for signs of allergic reactions, such as redness, swelling, or irritation, enabling accurate identification of allergens responsible for contact dermatitis.

How is an allergy diagnosis made?


Our allergy evaluation process begins with a detailed discussion about your medical history and current symptoms. During your consultation, our specialists will explore the nature of your symptoms, when and how frequently they occur, any specific triggers you may suspect, and whether there’s a family history of allergies, asthma, or related conditions.

Following this thorough initial assessment, your Amerimmune provider will perform a careful physical examination, focusing specifically on areas such as your skin, eyes, nose, lungs, and throat. We evaluate these areas closely for any signs of allergic reactions, inflammation, or irritation, ensuring an accurate understanding of your condition.

Depending on your symptoms and the findings from your initial evaluation, our clinicians may recommend allergy testing to identify precisely which substances trigger your allergic responses. We offer advanced allergy testing methods, including skin prick testing—a procedure that involves placing tiny amounts of potential allergens onto your skin (typically on the forearm or back) and gently pricking or scratching the surface to allow the allergen to enter just beneath the skin. 

If skin testing is not suitable for your specific situation—for example, if you have certain skin conditions or medications that might interfere with accuracy—Amerimmune Clinic utilizes specialized blood tests. These tests measure specific IgE antibody levels in your bloodstream, helping us identify sensitivities to particular allergens with precision.

In some cases, especially regarding suspected food or medication allergies, our allergy specialists may recommend controlled challenge testing. Conducted under close medical supervision at our clinic, this test involves gradual, carefully monitored exposure to small, controlled amounts of the suspected allergen.

Once your allergy testing is complete, your healthcare provider will thoroughly review and interpret the results, correlating them with your symptoms and medical history to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we design personalized management plans tailored specifically to your needs. Your allergy management plan may include strategies to avoid allergens, medications to relieve and control symptoms, or immunotherapy to help desensitize your immune system over time.

What is the difference between seasonal and year-round allergies?


Seasonal allergies typically occur during specific periods of the year, often aligning with particular blooming seasons when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the environment. Mold spores can also contribute to these allergies, especially during spring, late summer, and early fall. Patients experiencing seasonal allergies commonly report itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose during these peak allergy seasons.

On the other hand, perennial allergies persist consistently throughout the year, resulting from ongoing exposure to indoor allergens found in homes or workplaces. Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and cockroach droppings. Unlike seasonal allergies, perennial allergies often lead to continuous symptoms, such as chronic nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and coughing, regardless of the season.

At Amerimmune Clinic, our allergy specialists are committed to accurately diagnosing and treating both seasonal and perennial allergies. We provide comprehensive allergy testing to identify specific allergens affecting our patients and offer personalized treatment plans, including avoidance strategies, medications, and immunotherapy options.

Visit Amerimmune Clinic for allergy testing and personalized care to identify and manage your allergies effectively. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3541 W Braddock Road Suite 130 Alexandria, VA 22304. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Lincolnia VA, Groveton VA, Hybla Valley VA, Fort Hunt VA, and surrounding areas.

Locations of Amerimmune Clinic

Rockville, MD

  • 121 Congressional Lane, Suite 320, Rockville, MD 20852
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Arlington, VA

  • 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite A #320, Arlington, VA 22209
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McLean, VA

  • 8260 Greensboro Drive Suite A-15 McLean, VA 22102
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Bethesda, MD

  • 4827 Rugby Avenue Suite A 201 Bethesda, MD 20814
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Alexandria, VA

  • 3541 W Braddock Road Suite 130 Alexandria, VA 22304
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Gaithersburg, MD

  • 910 Clopper Road, Suite 220 South Entrance Gaithersburg, MD 20878
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