Health -
Allergies
What are allergies?
Allergies are your body’s reaction to a foreign protein. Usually, these proteins (allergens) are harmless. However, if you have an allergy to a particular protein, your body’s defense system overreacts to its presence in your body.
How common are allergies?
Allergies are very common.
More than 50 million people in the United States have an allergic reaction each year. They’re the sixth-leading cause of long-term illness in the United States.
Who do allergies affect?
Allergies can affect anyone.
You’re more likely to have or develop allergies if your biological parents have allergies.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the most common allergies?
The most common allergies include:
Certain foods
Food allergies develop when your body releases a specific antibody to a particular food. An allergic reaction occurs within minutes of eating the food, and symptoms can be severe. Symptoms may include:
- Itching all over your body (generalized pruritus).
- Itching in just one certain part of your body (localized pruritus).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Hives.
- Swelling around your mouth, including your throat, tongue or face.
If you have a food allergy, symptoms may also include anaphylaxis. It may present as any one of the above symptoms or a combination of the above symptoms. It usually occurs within 30 minutes of ingesting a food you’re allergic to.
In adults, the most common food allergies are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Shellfish
In children, the most common food allergies are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
Inhalants
Inhalant allergies are airborne substances that you inhale (breathe in). They include allergens that may affect you throughout the year (perennial allergens) and seasonal allergens.
Inhalant allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy Eyes
- Watery Eyes
If you have asthma, inhalant allergies can also trigger or worsen your symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath.
Seasonal allergies include pollens. Pollen is microspores from trees, grass or weeds that appear as a fine dust on surfaces or float in the air. Tree pollens generally appear in the spring, while weed pollens generally appear in the fall.
Medications
Certain medications can cause an allergic reaction. The medicines may be herbal, over the counter (OTC) or prescription.
Common medications that cause allergies include:
- Antibiotics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Insulin
- Chemotherapy drugs.
Symptoms include:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
Venoms/stinging insects
Stinging insects can inject venom, which is a toxic substance. The venom in insect stings can cause an allergic reaction.
The most common stinging insects that cause allergic reactions include:
- Bees
- Fire Ants
- Hornets
- Wasps
- Yellow Jackets
Venom symptoms are consistent with anaphylaxis. They may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling in your face, mouth or throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Drop in blood pressure
How are allergies diagnosed?
If you think you have allergies, don’t wait to see if your symptoms go away. If your symptoms last longer than a week or two or tend to come back during certain times of the year, make an appointment with an allergist.
An allergist is a healthcare provider who specializes in allergies. They can help diagnose your allergies through tests.
How do I test for allergies?
There are different types of allergy tests. The most common allergy tests are skin prick tests and blood tests.
Skin prick (scratch) tests can identify the allergens that cause your allergy symptoms. An allergist will use a thin needle to prick your skin with a tiny amount of different possible allergens. They then check to see if your skin reacts to the allergen.
Blood (IgE) tests can also identify allergies. However, they’re not as sensitive as skin prick tests. Blood tests evaluate IgE antibodies that your immune system produces against a specific protein.
How are allergies treated?
Avoiding allergens is an important treatment approach. However, it often doesn’t completely end allergic reactions. Over the counter and prescription allergy medications are also a solution to managing your allergies. These may include
- Antihistamines
- Nasal sprays
- Decongestants
- Asthma medications
- Immunotherapy
How can I prevent allergies?
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens. You can also take antihistamines or other medications daily to help control your symptoms and reduce your allergic reaction.
If you have animal allergies, avoid petting, hugging or kissing animals. Don’t allow them in your bedroom or on your furniture.
Regularly vacuuming rugs, carpets and other surfaces helps remove dust, animal dander, pollen and other allergens.
High-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters can also help. These air purifiers remove airborne allergens from your environment.
