Learn About Different Type of Allergies
The incidence of food allergy have been on the rise over the past few decades affecting approximately 15 million Americans. Allergic reactions to food can range from a mild itchy mouth to a severe, life-threatening reaction. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to a few hours after ingestion.
The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives, itching or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
- Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
However, in some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms, including:
- Constriction and tightening of airways
- A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
- Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis. Untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal, and it has been shown that early and appropriate measures, such as the use of prescription injectable epinephrine.
Perennial allergies are often caused by common indoor triggers such as dust mites, mold, pets and cockroaches. Seasonal allergy triggers generally include trees, grasses, or weeds. Symptoms include stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and sometimes wheezing .
Stinging Insect Allergies
Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies.
The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. It may range for local swelling to serious anaphylaxis reaction.
If you think you might be allergic to stinging insects, an accurate diagnosis and allergy test is essential so that you can be prepared for such a life-threatening reaction.
Hives:
Urticaria (hives), results from an inflammation of the skin mainly due to histamine and other immune system mediators.
Contact Dermatitis:
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in direct contact with an allergen. Symptoms include red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin at the point of contact.
Symptoms generally include nasal congestion, facial pressure, cough and thick nasal discharge. Sinusitis may be caused by infections, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or in rare cases an immune system deficiency.
Asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
Allergy Testing
IgE Skin Tests:
By skin prick testing we are able to identify the allergens
There are lots of allergy treatment options. Each option is individualized to the patient’s needs.
