The doctors at FPA can also help you and your family with any allergy problems.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a substance in the environment. According to the latest statistics, allergies affect nearly 2 out of every 10 Americans. Not everyone has them, but anyone can develop an allergy at any age.
What are common symptoms of allergies?
You may have any number of symptoms including, but not limited to:
- Hay fever
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy, runny nose
- Sneezing
- Rashes
- Hives ( a rash with raised red patches)
- Feeling tired or ill
If you have food allergies, you may have vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
If you are allergic to insect stings, you may have local swelling, redness, or pain.
Your symptoms can range from mild to severe. A life-threatening allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. This is the most severe allergic reaction someone can have and requires immediate attention. If you are having anaphylaxis, you may have one or more of the following:
- Hives and itching all over the body
- Hoarseness or tightness in the throat
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or scalp
What can someone be allergic to?
There are many things an individual can be allergic to, including:
- Foods, such as peanuts or wheat
- Animal dander
- Shellfish
- Latex rubber
- Vaccines and medications, such as penicillin
- Plants, such as Poison Ivy
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust
- Bee stings
What can influence an allergy to develop?
It has been shown that many things can trigger an allergy in an individual. These may include:
- Your heredity
- Smoking
- Infection
- Pollution
- Hormones
- Your environment
How do I find out if I have allergies?
Generally, your doctor will perform a physical exam first. He may ask very specific questions. He may also give you a blood test called a RAST panel. This checks for very specific items such as an allergy to eggs or pollen.The panel may also be specific to the area you live in. For example, here in Northeast Ohio, you may be checked for a Ragweed allergy. This blood test will be a good indicator of what triggers your allergies. Another test given is a skin test where allergens are deposited underneathe the skin. You may also do a process of elimination. Eliminate the possible trigger, then re-introduce it after a while to see if you react at all to the item. Your doctor may also refer you to someone who specializes in allergies.
How are allergies treated?
The doctor may treat your allergies by giving you medication for your allergy symptoms. Some individuals with severe allergies may get allergy shots, or immunotherapy.
You may ask your doctor for more information regarding allergies , or visit a website such as www.MedicineNet.com.
Source: www.webmd.com
