Allergies Specialist

Vivian Varese, MD

Functional Medicine Doctor & Integrative Medicine Doctor located in Acton, MA

Dr. Vivian Varese provides effective and sensitive care to her patients from in and around Acton, Massachusetts. Her holistic approach to health and wellbeing helps patients to lead healthier lives.

Allergies Q&A

What Are Allergies?

An allergy is a hypersensitive immune response to a substance called an allergen. While allergens do not stimulate a response in most people, when a person with hypersensitivity is exposed to the substance, the body responds to it as if it was a virus or pathogen. Allergic symptoms range from mild to severe and can affect any part of the body including itchy, red, or watery eyes, nasal congestion or a runny nose, rashes, or digestive distress. Anaphylaxis is an acute reaction to an allergen. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition which requires immediate emergency care. Allergies can cause symptoms like:

  • Hives
  • Rashes
  • Sneezing
  • Feeling tired or ill
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Itchy, runny nose
  • Digestive distress

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

Dr. Varese uses a variety of tests to identify what a patient is allergic. She will ask questions about the symptoms being experienced and the types of allergens the individual could have come into contact with. She may also order allergy skin tests and blood tests to diagnose the allergy. Dr. Varese will also test a patient’s stool to evaluate the integrity of the digestive system. She will also test the blood and saliva to establish thyroid and adrenal status. If a skin test is necessary to identify the allergy, a patient is monitored while small samples of suspected allergens are applied to the skin.

How Are Allergies Treated?

Dr. Varese takes a holistic approach and works to heal the immune system instead of relying on medication or other traditional medications. She works with her patients to identify and treat any hormonal deficiencies to restore optimal hormonal balance. She also treats the bowel, which guides the body’s immune response, to restore proper beneficial strength, eliminating inflammatory bacterial overgrowth, and prescribing nutritional formulas to restore the integrity of the intestinal lining. Any additional symptoms will be treated with nutrient and herbal support.


For more information, Dr. Varese recommends checking out Genova Diagnostics