Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
What are allergies?
Susceptibility for allergies is determined by your DNA. Your DNA determines how your immune system creates antibodies and how it will fight foreign substances. Allergies happen when the immune system begins to defend the body against a non-harmful substance because it has mistaken it for a harmful one. An allergen is the cause of your allergies.
If you're tired of suffering from allergies and want a long-term solution, schedule with us today.
Schedule An Appointment TodayThe causes and symptoms of allergies
Causes
Food - Food allergies can manifest after consuming a particular food. Some of the most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
Insects - Insect allergies can be acquired in many ways - let it be from a sting, bite, or even simply by proximity. Two examples of common insect allergens are cockroaches and mosquitoes
Inhalant - Inhalant allergies are caused by a variety of particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold and fungus spores.
Contact - Contact allergies are a frequent cause of skin rashes. Latex, plants, soaps, cosmetics, and jewelry are all examples of potential allergens.
Medication - Although non-allergic or adverse reactions to medication are more common, allergic reactions can still happen.
Anaphylaxis - Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid allergic reaction that produces various symptoms like itching rash, trouble breathing, throat swelling, vomiting, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.
Symptoms
Although everyone reacts differently to allergens, there are some typical reactions that many people experience. These reactions include:
- Reddened skin
- Itchiness
- Mucous membrane irritation
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Watery eyes
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting
Sneezing, runny/itchy nose, and congestion are all symptoms of rhinitis. There are two types of rhinitis: allergic and non-allergic.
Allergic Rhinitis
Is caused by the body's immune system attacking healthy cells thinking they are foreign, harmful particles. These common particles include:
- Plant pollen
- Molds
- Dust mites
- Animal hair
- Chemicals
- And more
Allergic rhinitis can occur year-round or be seasonal.
Seasonal Allergies/Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis:
We all know that different allergies are more prevalent at certain times of the year, but which allergens are most common during the various seasons?
Tree pollen may be more prevalent in March and April.
In the spring and late summer, hay fever is at its worst. Ragweed is responsible for most cases of hay fever.
It's common for people to experience allergic reactions during the fall (typically October-November) due to mold spores in falling leaves.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
This form of rhinitis persists all year and can be caused by allergens like pet hair, upholstery, mold, and houseplants.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis does not have an allergy as its root; instead, it is brought about by environmental factors. These include pollutants, cigarette smoke, potent smells, alcohol, and low temperatures. Other possible causes are nasal blockages, infection, and deviated septum.
Testing for and diagnosing your allergens
It's difficult to cure your allergies' root issue without first determining what causes them. That is why our allergy specialists can examine and diagnose your allergies using testing. This will allow us to treat your allergies more successfully and swiftly.
Treating your allergies
At our clinic, we create a unique treatment plan for each of our allergy patients. After assessing your specific allergies, we will recommend one or more of the following options:
Avoidance - avoiding allergenic substances and/or triggers
Medication - allergy medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, may help ease your symptoms.
Immunotherapy - at Font ENT & Facial Plastics our preferred method of immunotherapy is allergy shots. Learn more
Learn More About Our Allergy TestingBe seen by an allergy professional at Font ENT & Facial Plastics
Font ENT & Facial Plastics offers comprehensive testing and treatment for all types of allergies. Schedule an appointment today and start feeling better.
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