Do you suffer from the miserable symptoms of year-round allergies? Why continue to live a decreased quality of life when you can get help? The team at Capitol Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Centers can help determine the precise cause of your allergy symptoms and get you on the path to breathing freely again.
What is an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction is when your immune system mistakes a typically harmless substance for a dangerous one. The immune system will produce antibodies to fight the allergen which causes the miserable symptoms commonly associated with allergies. Exposure to an allergen can cause increased blood flow, tissue swelling, and mucus membrane irritation. People can be exposed to allergens by touching, swallowing, or inhaling the substance that causes the reaction.
Common Allergies
Any substance can cause an allergic reaction; however, the most common allergens include:
- Insects – stings from bees and wasps produce an allergic response. People can also have allergy issues from being around insects like roaches and dust mites.
- Drugs – certain drugs like penicillin, sulfa, and insulin are common allergens.
- Chemicals – chemicals can cause a skin rash when you encounter them. Latex, plants, soap, cosmetics, and jewelry can create adverse skin reactions.
- Pets – our beloved fur babies can make us feel miserable. But don’t resign to the idea of never having a dog again, immunotherapy can help.
- Environmental factors – we can’t forget to mention trees, grass, pollen, and molds that are ever-present in our lives.
Common Allergy Symptoms
No two people will react the same to an allergen, but there are some common reactions typical of many allergens. These include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Swelling
- Water eye
- Hives and itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- In severe cases, anaphylaxis
diagnosing & testing for allergies
When you have had enough with your allergy symptoms, a board-certified physician should always complete your allergy testing. There is more to allergy testing than a simple skin prick test which pop-up allergy clinics will perform, give you a prescription, and then send you on your way. To determine the true cause of your allergies and gain long-term relief, your medical history must be considered.
Things your doctor should take into consideration when coming up with an allergy treatment plan should include:
- A detailed account of symptoms
- Structured questions to gain precise information on previous allergic diseases from childhood like eczema, hay fever, and asthma
- The severity, duration, and seasonal occurrence of symptoms including trigger factors, life-threatening events, and success of avoidance measures
- Details about diet, food exclusion, and intolerance to medications, preservatives, and additives
- Family history
- Home, school/work, and outdoor environmental risk factors
- Past/current treatment and medications used
The details provided within a thorough medical history evaluation, a skin prick test, and a physical exam will allow your physician to determine the best treatment plan for your allergies.
Treating your allergies
Limiting exposure to known allergens may help reduce allergy symptoms, although complete avoidance is not always possible. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal rinses can also be prescribed. For some patients, immunotherapy may be an option to help manage allergy symptoms over time.
You have probably heard of allergy shots, but there is an alternative to needles and constant office visits. Sublingual Immunotherapy (S.L.I.T.) is the convenient allergy therapy self-administered under the tongue from the convenience of your home. For appropriately selected patients, sublingual allergy drops may help reduce certain allergy symptoms over time. You can find more information about allergy shots versus allergy drops here.
Common Questions about Peanut Allergies
Peanut and other food allergies may require care from a medical allergist. Capitol Breathe Free may provide avoidance guidance and epinephrine when clinically appropriate. Complex food-allergy cases, including anaphylaxis or reactions to multiple foods, are referred to a medical allergist.
Common Drug Allergies
Many people can experience allergies or sensitivities to drugs. These two are very different. In the case of drug sensitivity, a patient may undergo desensitization if deemed appropriate by their physician. For drug allergies, avoidance is the best possible treatment option. Your physician may prescribe an EpiPen if the allergy is severe and may also recommend a medic-alert bracelet.
If you have any questions or concerns about allergies and the treatment options provided by Capitol Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Centers, contact our office for more information.
