Allergies
What are allergies?
An allergy is a chronic condition involving an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen.
What causes allergies?
The human immune system is the body’s defense against sickness and infection. It tries to prevent germs, allergens and foreign substances from entering the body and then works to eliminate any that get through.
In people with allergies, the usual way the immune system treats things like pollen, mold, dust mites or animal dander is changed, and the body identifies these as dangerous invaders. Then, your immune system creates a specific IgE antibody to fight it if the allergen enters your body again.
Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.
Read more allergy facts here.
How do allergic reactions occur?
When you come in contact with the same allergen later, the body is ready to respond with its protective IgE antibodies for that allergen. The antibodies attach themselves to white blood cells called mast cells that line the mucous membrane of the nose, eyes and lungs and cause inflammation. Cilia, the tiny hairs that trap and sweep allergens out of the way, become bogged down with mucus and fluid and allergy symptoms appear.
What are the most common allergy symptoms?
Allergy symptoms vary from person to person depending on the allergy trigger. Seasonal or environmental allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Red
- Watery eyes
- Itching around the nose, mouth or eyes
Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to other issues like headaches, sore throats, sinus infections, and even chronic conditions such as asthma.
Allergy symptoms can also be very serious and life-threatening, leading to anaphylaxis. Symptoms that may require you to seek emergency care include:
- Skin: itching, redness, swelling and hives
- Mouth: itching, swelling of lips and tongue
- Stomach: vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps
- Respiratory: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest pain and/or tightness
- Cardiac: weak pulse, dizziness, faintness
- Headache, nasal congestion, watery eyes, sweating
- Confusion, feeling of impending doom
- Loss of consciousness
Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
Read more allergy facts here.
How are allergies diagnosed?
It is important to know which allergens cause you to have symptoms. In addition to a physical exam and skin tests and/or blood tests, your Board Certified Allergist will take the time to discuss the following topics with you:
- Both your personal health history and that of your family members
- The frequency and severity of your symptoms
- Activities that might expose you to allergens
- Your home and work environments
What type of testing is performed for allergies?
What is an allergy skin test?
A doctor or nurse will prick your skin and expose you to small amounts of the proteins found in potential allergens. If you're allergic, you'll likely develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin.
What is an allergy blood test?
Specific IgE (sIgE) blood testing, commonly called radioallergosorbent test (RAST) or ImmunoCAP testing, measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
What are the most common allergies?
Many different substances trigger allergic symptoms. Common allergens include:
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Pollen Allergy
Pollen allergy is an allergy to tiny particles released by trees, grasses and weeds.
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Mold Allergy
Molds are microscopic organisms called fungi, found virtually everywhere, indoors and out.
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Pet Allergy
Allergic reactions to cats, dogs and other furry animals are caused by proteins found in flecks of the pets’ skin, called dander, as well as in their saliva and urine.
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Eye Allergy
Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the protective outer covering of the eye and eyelid, called the conjunctiva, becomes swollen and inflamed due to allergens or irritants.
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Dust Mite Allergy
Dust mites are tiny insects that live in mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture. They look for moisture along with their favorite food, tiny bits of shed human skin.
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Cockroach & Mice Allergy
Cockroaches and mice may scavenge mostly at night, but they leave behind a trail of allergens that may cause symptoms when handled or inhaled.
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Drug Allergy
Drug allergies may cause hives, lightheadedness, nausea, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps, or make your throat or mouth swell.
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Insect Venom Allergy
For most people, insect stings are a short term annoyance. However, an allergy to the venom in a stinging insect can cause a reaction that varies from localized irritation to anaphylaxis.
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Latex Allergy
Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins present in the milky sap of the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree.
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