Allergies

What exactly are allergies?

Allergies are your body's reaction to anything unfamiliar. The immune system is in charge of defending your body from infection and sickness. However, your immune system can create antibodies to chemicals that aren't actually hazardous. This is when allergy symptoms begin to appear.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergies?

Allergy symptoms vary in severity from individual to person. The circumstances surrounding your exposure to an allergic chemical influence your allergic reaction. Some allergic reactions have an impact on the respiratory system, skin, sinuses, and digestive system.

Allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• a stuffy or runny nose
• watery or swollen eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Itchy nose
• Hives
• Lip, tongue, face, or throat swelling
• Wheezing

Allergic reactions can range from moderate to severe and potentially fatal. Anaphylaxis is a potentially lethal condition caused by allergies in some situations.  

If you have any of the symptoms of allergies, it's critical to get an accurate diagnosis so you can properly manage your condition.

What exactly is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis involves narrowing of the airways, as well as lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylactic reactions are life-threatening emergencies that require prompt medical treatment.

Anaphylaxis reactions are treated in an emergency with adrenaline shots that assist reverse the consequences of the reaction.

How are allergies identified?

Because the symptoms of allergies are similar to those of other illnesses, a precise diagnosis is critical. Your doctor will assess your signs and symptoms and may advise you to keep track of your reactions to potential allergies. Food, drugs, pet dander, mold, and pollen are examples.

There are two methods for testing for allergies. The first is a skin test, in which your provider pricks your skin and exposes it to small amounts of specific allergens. Your doctor will certify your problem once your skin reacts to one or more of the applied allergens.

A blood test is the second type of test performed to look for allergies. To do this test, your doctor will take a blood sample and send it to a lab where it will be tested for allergen sensitivity.  

What is the treatment for allergies?

Although most allergies are incurable, there are ways to alleviate their symptoms. Your doctor will consult with you to find the best treatment choice at Heal 360. Some popular allergy treatment approaches include:

Avoidance

The most common way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen entirely. Because it removes the risk of a reaction, avoidance is usually the most effective means of treating your allergies. Because the avoidance approach is dependent on an accurate diagnosis, it is critical to consult with an experienced physician about your illness.

Medications

A variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs are used to reduce allergic responses. Allergy drugs are available in pill, nasal spray, liquid, and eye drop form.

Visit a PrimeCare360 office or book an appointment by phone or online now to learn more about how to manage your allergies.