Looking At Symptoms of Allergies
Before we explore the different symptoms of allergies, it is important to define what an allergy is. An allergy is a reaction to a foreign substance. It can affect people of all ages and can show up later in life. The type of allergy a person has will determine what symptoms they will experience. Once the allergen and associated symptoms are identified, you are then able to take control of your allergies and improve your quality of life.
Common Allergy Symptoms
The most common are related to food, environmental and drug allergies.
Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a certain food that was consumed. There are IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated food allergies. IgE mediated food allergies occur when IgE antibodies created by the body’s immune system react to a certain food, while non-IgE mediated does not involve antibodies. The vast majority of food allergies are caused by shellfish, wheat, egg, soy, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, and fish. Depending on the severity of the reaction, symptoms may include itchy and watery eyes, congestion, runny nose, itchy ears, rash, inflammation, wheezing, vomiting, and swelling of the throat.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies are a response to allergens in the environment. Common allergens include weeds, trees, dust mites, dander, mold, and grasses. Symptoms associated with environmental allergies include runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and itching.
Drug Allergies
Lastly, many people find that they are allergic to certain medications. Some medications that are common triggers are antibiotics, primarily penicillin based medications and sulfa drugs. Additional triggers are drugs used for chemotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anticonvulsants. Symptoms include but are not limited to itching, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, and anaphylaxis.
Yes, Allergies Can Cause Skin Symptoms
Is your skin irritated or itchy? There is a possibility that it is the result of an allergy. All the major classes of allergies – food, environmental and drug – can cause problems with the skin. Common allergic skin conditions include eczema, hives, angioedema (swelling), and contact dermatitis. Skin allergy symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, bumps, blisters, and dry, scaly skin.
Get Your Allergies Diagnosed By An Allergist at Breathe Clear
If you are wondering what you may be allergic to, we recommend undergoing allergy testing. At Breathe Clear, we test for environmental and food allergens at the same time. After refraining from antihistamines and certain other medications, we will conduct a skin test to identify any sensitivities. If you are sensitive to an allergen, a bump will appear on your skin, similar to that of a mosquito bite. In some cases, a blood allergy test may be necessary as well. From there we will create a treatment plan designed specifically for you. You can receive immunotherapy through allergy drops or allergy shots. Allergy drops are placed under your tongue on a daily basis wherever you are. Allergy shots are first performed in the office and in most cases can be taken home after about 6 months. Both types of immunotherapy – sublingual and injectable – are intended to work over time to desensitize your body to the allergens that provoke your symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life. Get relief from your allergy symptoms today by contacting the leading allergist at Breathe Clear Institute in Torrance.