Allergies-Not Just a Runny Nose 
There is more to allergies and sensitivities than runny nose, watery or itchy eyes and sneezing. Allergy cells, called mast cells, are found throughout the body, including the lungs, the skin, the bladder, the muscles and the brain. This is why each of these body areas can be affected when exposed to certain allergens.

We Do Not Outgrow Allergies—The Symptoms Change
It is not uncommon for parents of children with allergies to also suffer with allergies since allergies tend to run in families. We do not outgrow our allergies. Instead our symptoms change as we get older. Adult allergies are often attributed to hormone changes, aging or stress. An adult may react to allergens with such symptoms as chronic headaches or fatigue. Others may suffer with body aches and pains that are misdiagnosed as arthritis. The list of symptoms is long and as individual as each patient. Instead of taking medication to treat the symptoms, many adults find relief from their chronic problems with well-targeted allergy treatment.

How Nutrition Helps Relieve Allergies/Sensitivities
Specific nutrients are needed in our body to make the biochemical processes work properly. The body depends on nutrients to function. If we don't get enough of the right nutrients, the body can't work appropriately. The pollution in our atmosphere and the toxins in our foods cause our bodies to use more nutrients to dispose of these toxic chemical byproducts. There are blood tests available to help identify nutritional deficiencies.

How We Find and Treat Allergies at The Block Center

Testing All The Allergens at Once Can Miss a Finding
There are two different ways to do skin testing. One method is to test all the allergens at one time by placing a drop of the allergen under the skin on the arm or the back. With this test, the doctor is looking for the reaction to the allergen on the skin. The skin may turn red or grow a red, irritated skin blister. If the testing is done all at once, a finding could be missed.

Testing One Allergen at A Time Can Uncover Allergies and Enhance Treatment
The other method is to test one allergen at a time. This is the method used at The Block Center. After a comprehensive history and physical examination, we can usually determine which allergens are most likely to be a problem and test them first. By testing one substance at a time and provoking the symptoms, the patient and the doctor can tell exactly which part of the body is affected by which allergen. During each test the patient is monitored for any changes in heart rate, breathing capacity, mood, concentration and physical and emotional symptoms as well as a skin reaction. Many adults have a history of headaches, asthma, joint and muscle pain and gastrointestinal problems that can be incited during testing. Once the allergens are uncovered, the most appropriate treatment can be determined.

Dr. Mary Ann Block treats many other chronic health problems such as, asthma, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems and others. He approach is to look for and treat, whenever possible, the underlying causes instead of covering the symptoms with drugs.