Allergies

Why do allergies occur?

Your immune system is designed to protect you from foreign substances that cause illness or infection. But when the immune system makes a mistake and determines that a usually harmless compound is an invader, you experience allergies.

Allergies can strike many bodily systems including the:

• Skin
• Sinuses
• Digestive tract
• Nose
• Lungs
• Throat

What triggers allergies?

You may be allergic to airborne substances, such as dust, molds, and pollen, and experience allergy symptoms in your respiratory system. Foods, including dairy, fish, nuts, and wheat, among others, are possible triggers for allergic reactions in your digestive system. Insect stings, animal dander, medications, topical creams, and latex are other common allergy triggers.

What symptoms suggest I have allergies?

Allergy symptoms aren’t just isolated to your sinuses. Yes, airborne substances can cause coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. But you may also suspect an allergy if you experience:

• Skin rash
• Swelling of your lips, eyelids, or tongue
• Nausea, vomiting, and cramps
• Difficulty breathing and chest tightness

A severe allergic reaction can result in anaphylactic shock. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that might first present as typical allergy symptoms but quickly escalates into more serious symptoms, including dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and swelling in the throat. If you’re at risk for anaphylaxis, you should carry an epinephrine injector pen, which provides a quick dose of epinephrine to relieve your attack.

How are allergies diagnosed and treated?

Skin prick tests, patch tests, and blood tests may be used to evaluate you for allergies. Your provider at IAM Healthy also reviews your symptoms to isolate a possible allergy. If you have coughing and wheezing along with watery eyes and a sore throat, but no fever, it’s likely allergies causing your issues.

During a skin prick or patch test, your skin is punctured slightly and a liquid version of an allergen is applied to see if you develop redness, itching, or swelling in response.

Skin testing is the most accurate for identifying allergies to airborne substances. While it may diagnose some food allergies, blood tests may also be necessary for a thorough diagnosis.

If you suffer from uncomfortable allergy symptoms, call the office or schedule online to be tested and treated today.