Things to Know About Allergies

Things to Know About Allergies and Their Treatment

Allergies are commonplace in the United States. If you don’t have allergies yourself, you likely know someone who does. While certain allergies are little more than annoyances, others can be dangerous. The good news? With the right knowledge, you can manage allergies effectively and avoid harmful allergic reactions. At Expert ENT Care, we help patients from Fort Worth, TX deal with their allergies through a variety of treatments. Here’s what you need to know about handling allergies.

What Are Allergies?

Let’s start with the basics—what are allergies in the first place? Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance (allergen), even though that substance doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. Allergens can range from pollen and pet dander to certain foods and medications. When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system produces antibodies that set off an allergic reaction. There are several types of allergies, each with its triggers and symptoms. Here’s a breakdown:

Seasonal Allergies—Also known as hay fever, seasonal allergies are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. They often cause respiratory symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.

Food Allergies—Food allergies can be particularly tricky as they can cause severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.

Skin Allergies—Conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis fall under this category. Soaps, detergents, and certain fabrics or metals often trigger skin allergies.

Identifying the Signs of Allergies

Now that you know a bit more about what causes allergies, we can take a deeper look at the symptoms. Recognizing the signs of allergies can help you take action quickly and get the relief you need. Look for these common symptoms:

• Respiratory Symptoms—These include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Specific conditions include asthma and allergic rhinitis.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms—Food allergies often lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Skin Symptoms—The most common skin allergic reactions include itching, redness, swelling, and hives. These symptoms may become severe and require immediate medical attention.

How We Diagnose Allergies

Diagnosis is the first step to getting effective treatment. At Expert ENT Care, we have a robust system for allergy testing, and we’ll ensure an accurate diagnosis. Here are some examples of tests that identify specific allergens:

• Skin Prick Tests—In this test, small amounts of potential allergens are introduced to your skin through tiny pricks. If you’re allergic, a small bump will appear.
• Blood Tests—Blood tests measure the number of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood.
• Elimination Diet—For food allergies, an elimination diet involves removing suspected allergens from your diet and then gradually reintroducing them to identify the culprit.

Helping You Minimize the Impact of Allergies

When you consult with our team, you’ll learn about several approaches to allergy treatment. While every patient is different, we often recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:

• Medication—Antihistamines and decongestants may help minimize symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
• Allergy Shots—Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, involves exposing your body to gradually increasing doses of the allergen. Over time, this can desensitize your immune system.
• Nasal Rinses—Using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages may remove allergens and reduce nasal congestion.
• Lifestyle Changes—Making simple lifestyle changes can reduce exposure to allergens. If you’re sensitive to things like pollen and pet dander, keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and vacuum regularly to remove these allergies.

When to See a Doctor for Allergy Treatment

Most allergies aren’t cause for too much concern, but some require immediate medical help. Stay vigilant for the following signs of a severe allergy needing treatment:

• Severe Symptoms—If you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, seek immediate medical attention.
• Persistent Symptoms—If your symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. At Expert ENT Care, we can introduce you to remedies not available at your local drugstore.
• Multiple Allergies—Do you have more than one allergy? We can help you identify and manage each allergy effectively.

Get in Touch With Expert ENT Care

Whether you have a slight seasonal allergy or major respiratory issues, Expert ENT Care is here to help. Our team sees patients in Fort Worth, TX and offers top-tier medical care for allergies, sinus infections, and more. Contact us today to set up your consultation with an allergy expert.