Allergy Season is Approaching Fast, Are You Aware Enough?
An allergy is what happens when the immune system is triggered to produce an overreaction to a foreign substance entering the body. These foreign substances are known as allergens. When allergens enter the body, the immune system overproduces antibodies in order to rid the body of the substance.
The massive surge in antibodies results in the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Anyone can get an allergy even though people are not born with them. Allergy testing reveals that most allergies develop in childhood but it is not unheard of for some of them to emerge later in life.
Common Triggers of Allergic Reactions
An individual can develop an allergic reaction to almost anything, but there are some common triggers usually found in people.
Pollen
Seafood
Mold
Dust
Pet Dander
Certain Medications
Insects
Different Types of Allergic Reactions
Similar to how there are different allergens, there are also different allergic reactions.
Allergic Asthma
Caused by the inflammation of the airways in the lungs, it can result in symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, excessive mucus, and wheezing.
Anaphylaxis
It is a generalized allergic reaction that is identified by hives, drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness that has the potential to be life-threatening.
Hives (or Urticaria)
Hives are when itchy welts from all over the body.
Allergic Rhinitis
Upon the inhalation of an allergen, the individual’s body responds with an inflamed mucus membrane. Common symptoms include a stuffy nose, sneezing, nasal discharge, and itching in the ears and the roof of the mouth.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Eye allergy, identifiable by red, itchy eyes that water too often and produce excessive gunk.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Dry rash that occurs in knees, elbows, and other skin folds.
Contact Dermatitis
Itchy rashes break out wherever the skin has come in contact with the allergen.
How Is an Allergy Diagnosed?
An allergy can be diagnosed by a careful evaluation of the patient’s personal and familial medical history. Doctors can also detect an allergic reaction by conducting a physical examination of the lungs and sinuses.
Allergy testing also includes skin tests, intradermal tests, patch tests, and blood tests that can help determine the presence of an allergy.
How to Treat Allergy?
Allergies have different treatment methods depending on the severity and nature of the condition.
Avoiding the allergen
Perhaps the simplest way to prevent your allergies from acting up is to stay away from the allergen. It is not always possible to completely eliminate exposure to certain allergens but you can always try to limit contact. For example, if you are allergic to pollen you should keep your windows closed and regularly clean the air filters in your home.
Medication
Allergy medication usually contains antihistamines that combat the body’s reaction. It decongests and improves breathing. Many physicians also recommend eye drops and nasal sprays to relieve minor discomfort.
An epinephrine pen is used by patients who are prone to severe allergic reactions. You need to carry the shot with you at all times. In the event, that the individual contracts an allergic reaction, the epi-pen will subdue the symptoms enough for the victim to be carried into the emergency room.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment option that administers small doses of the allergen to the human body until the immune system is no longer sensitive to it. Immunotherapy is not a one-and-done solution. It will need to be carried out over a long period of time.
Allergy Care by Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates
We have been helping patients in Edmond and OKC to beat allergy and allergy-related issues for the past 35 years. If you suspect an allergic reaction might be in play, reach out to our allergy clinic. Our expert team will detect any abnormalities early enough that they do not escalate into a complicated health concern. Scheduling an appointment with us is now easier than ever. Visit our website and scroll down to the contact section.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.