Allergies
What are allergies?
An allergy occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance as a threat. These substances, called allergens, can include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, foods, insect venom, and certain medications.
What causes allergies?
The immune system helps protect the body from illness, infection, and harmful substances. In people with allergies, however, the immune system mistakenly identifies normally harmless substances such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander as dangerous.
When this happens, the body produces allergy antibodies called IgE. Once exposed again, these antibodies trigger the release of chemicals like histamine, leading to allergy symptoms such as:
• Respiratory: Sneezing, congestion, coughing, and wheezing.
• Ocular & Dermal: Itchy and localized swelling.
Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.
Read more allergy facts below.
How do allergic reactions occur?
After the body becomes sensitized to an allergen, future exposure can trigger an allergic reaction. Allergy antibodies called IgE attach to specialized cells known as mast cells, which are found in the nose, eyes, lungs, skin, and digestive tract.
When exposed to the allergen again, these cells release chemicals such as histamine that cause inflammation and allergy symptoms. This systemic reaction can result in a wide range of localized symptoms, including:
• Nasal & Respiratory: Sneezing, congestion, coughing, wheezing, rashes, and excess mucus production.
• Ocular & Dermal: Itchy eyes, skin rashes, and localized swelling.
What are the most common allergy symptoms?
Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy and the specific trigger. In the Chattanooga and East Tennessee valley region, unique geography can trap seasonal irritants, making symptoms more pronounced.
Common seasonal and environmental allergy symptoms include:
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Red or watery eyes
• Itching of the nose, mouth, throat, or eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Sinus pressure or headaches
Recognizing severe allergic reactions
Some allergic reactions can become severe and potentially life-threatening. This serious reaction, known as anaphylaxis, requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
• Skin: itching, redness, swelling, or hives
• Mouth & throat: itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Stomach & digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps
• Respiratory: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
• Cardiovascular: dizziness, fainting, weak pulse, or low blood pressure
• Other systemic signs: headache, sweating, confusion, acute anxiety, or loss of consciousness
If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of anaphylaxis, administer epinephrine if available and seek emergency medical care immediately.
Complications of untreated allergies
When left untreated, chronic allergies can significantly impair your quality of life, contributing to:
• Recurring sinus infections
• Poor sleep quality, snoring, and chronic fatigue
• Worsening asthma symptoms and long-term respiratory problems
What are the most common allergies?
Many different environmental, physical, and biological substances can trigger allergic symptoms. In the Chattanooga, East Tennessee, and North Georgia valley region, our unique geography and climate can intensify exposure to these common allergens:
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Pollen Allergy
A seasonal or year-round reaction to microscopic particles released by trees, grasses, and weeds. In East Tennessee, tree pollens (like Oak, Hickory, and Cedar) spike aggressively in the spring, while ragweed dominates late summer and fall.
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Mold Allergy
An immune response to microscopic fungi spores that thrive in high-humidity environments. Mold allergies can flare outdoors from damp leaf piles or indoors in basements, crawlspaces, and poorly ventilated bathrooms.
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Pet Allergy
Allergic reactions triggered by proteins found in animal dander (dead skin flecks), saliva, or urine from cats, dogs, and other furry pets, rather than the fur itself.
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Eye Allergy
Inflammation occurring when airborne allergens come into direct contact with the conjunctiva (the protective membrane lining your eyelids and eyes), causing redness, swelling, and severe itching.
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Dust Mites
An indoor allergy triggered by microscopic pests that feed on shed human skin cells. These allergens thrive in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture, particularly in humid climates.
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Cockroach & Pest Allergy
An indoor respiratory trigger caused by inhaling proteins found in the microscopic droppings, saliva, and shedding body parts of cockroaches and mice.
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Drug Allergy
An adverse immune reaction to specific medications, most commonly antibiotics like penicillin, that can manifest as hives, swelling, lightheadedness, or difficulty breathing.
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Insect Venom Allergy
An immune hyper-reactivity to the venom injected by stinging insects like honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, or fire ants, which can range from painful local swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
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Latex Allergy
A direct contact or respiratory reaction to the natural proteins found in the milky sap of the rubber tree, commonly found in medical gloves, balloons, and certain elastic materials.
Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.
Read more allergy facts here.
How are allergies diagnosed?
Identifying the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms is the most important step in developing an effective treatment plan. A comprehensive allergy diagnosis at Chattanooga Allergy Clinic involves a detailed clinical evaluation paired with precise diagnostic testing.
1. The Clinical Evaluation
During your initial consultation, your board-certified allergist will take the time to understand your complete medical profile. We will discuss:
• Medical History: Your personal and family health history regarding allergic diseases or asthma.
• Symptom Patterns: The frequency, timing, and severity of your flare-ups, including any clear seasonal patterns.
• Environmental Exposure: Activities, hobbies, or specific environments that may expose you to allergens.
• Daily Surroundings: Potential triggers hidden within your home, school, or work environments.
2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing
To definitively confirm your triggers, your allergist will recommend one or both of the following objective diagnostic methods:
• Allergy Skin Prick Testing: The primary method for identifying environmental and food sensitivities. This rapid, in-office procedure introduces microscopic amounts of specific allergens into the surface of the skin. Results, appearing as small, localized bumps similar to a mosquito bite, are available within 15 to 20 minutes.
• Allergy Blood Testing: A laboratory evaluation (such as a specific IgE panel) that measures the exact concentration of allergy-causing antibodies circulating in your bloodstream. This is typically used for patients with severe skin conditions or those who cannot safely discontinue antihistamines for a skin test.
By combining your personal health history with precise test results, your allergist can develop a personalized treatment plan to help reduce your symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life.
What type of testing is performed for allergies?
Allergy testing helps identify the exact environmental or dietary substances triggering your symptoms. Depending on your comprehensive medical history, current symptoms, and age, your allergist may recommend skin testing, blood testing, or a combination of both.
What is an allergy skin test?
During an allergy skin test, small amounts of potential allergens are placed on the surface of the skin using a tiny, gentle prick. If you are allergic to a specific substance, a small, raised bump (similar to a mosquito bite) will appear at the test site within 15 to 20 minutes.
Skin testing is the most common diagnostic method used to evaluate reactions to:
• Environmental Triggers: Pollen (trees, grasses, weeds), dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
• Dietary Triggers: Specific foods and proteins.
• Stinging Insects: Honeybee, hornet, wasp, or yellow jacket venom.
What is an allergy blood test?
Allergy blood testing measures the precise level of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies circulating in your bloodstream.
Common allergy blood diagnostics include ImmunoCAP® and other specific IgE (sIgE) tests. A board-certified allergist typically recommends blood testing under the following clinical conditions:
• Skin Conditions: When a patient has widespread eczema, hives, or psoriasis that prevents accurate skin reading.
• Medication Interference: When a patient cannot safely discontinue taking oral antihistamines or certain underlying medications prior to testing.
• Severe Reaction Risks: When a patient has a history of high-risk anaphylaxis where direct skin exposure is avoided.
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