What do you know about allergies? Their causes, effects, and treatments? Allergies are very common and it’s sure you must have come across some cases, even if it’s not you.
Research shows that more than 50 million people in the US suffer from allergies yearly. It can be irritating and sometimes hard to deal with, affecting your daily activities. Contact an allergist in Surprise, AZ at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat for evaluation and treatment.
What are allergies?
Allergies are a body’s immune system reaction due to a foreign substance. It occurs when the immune system rejects a substance that comes in contact with your body.
An allergen is a material that causes an allergic reaction. Usually, the allergen may be harmless to other people, but your immune system reacts to it as harmful.
Some allergies happen in certain seasons, while others cause reactions all year long. Your symptoms determine the type of allergen causing them and the severity level of your allergy.
What are some common allergens?
Generally, an allergen can be something you touch, breathe, or eat. The team at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat conducts allergy testing to identify the allergen. The most common allergens include:
· Eggs
· Pollen
· Mold
· Dust mites
· Pet dander
· Fish
· Milk
· Insect venom
· Nuts
· Wheat
· Soy
· Insects
· Shellfish
· Certain medications
· Some chemicals
The expert allergic team at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat develops a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms even when you have frequent exposure to the allergen.
What are the allergy symptoms?
The symptoms differ in different people. Your symptoms usually depend on your form of contact with the allergen. The symptoms occur in two categories:
Airborne allergy symptoms
Airborne allergens lead to a reaction known as allergic rhinitis. It involves:
· Coughing
· Stuffy or runny nose
· Sneezing
Insect, food, and medicine allergy symptoms
The symptoms vary, including
· Swelling
· Trouble breathing
· Eye-watering
· Vomiting
· Hives
· Unconsciousness
Usually, many people with allergies have more than one type of allergy. Indoor and outdoor allergies involve nasal allergies, sinus swelling, hay fever, among others. Some of the indoor and outdoor allergy triggers include
· Cats and dogs
· Trees and grass pollen
· Dust mites
· Rodents
These triggers are also a common cause of eye allergies.
Food allergies are most common, with shellfish being the primary allergen for adults and milk in children.
What are the treatments for allergy management?
Usually, there is no cure for an allergy. The team at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat offers treatments, aiming to help you avoid reactions and manage your symptoms.
During your consultation, your provider performs diagnostic tests to identify your allergen. Your doctor usually advises you to avoid your allergen as much as possible. Your treatment may include:
Allergy medications
Allergy medications help manage your allergic reactions either as they occur or by taking them regularly. Your provider may also recommend nasal sprays or oral antihistamines to relieve your symptoms.
Immunotherapy
When the medications and avoiding allergens fail in managing your allergy, your provider recommends immunotherapy. It involves taking small regular doses of your allergen to enhance your tolerance against it slowly.
Contact an allergist today
As much as allergies can be harmless, they can cause deadly reactions and uncomfortable symptoms affecting your daily life, but it doesn’t have to be you. Call Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat today to book your appointment.
