Your body can react to different particles in the surrounding environment and treat them as something foreign, triggering an auto-immune response. This allergic response can come with a host of symptoms and can be tough to live with.
Some of these allergens are present year-round, and some only occur at certain times of the year. Seasonal allergies are typically caused by pollen in the air, like mountain cedar or ragweed. Other allergens can be omnipresent and can pop up under the right conditions any time of the year, like dust mites.
There are many names for seasonal allergies -- hay fever or cedar fever, for example. One thing is universal: allergy symptoms are no fun.
Typically, environmental or seasonal allergens affect the nasal passages, sinus cavities, throat, and lungs. Inflammation of the mucosal membranes within the nose and sinus results in congestion, coughing, wheezing, itchy or watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Certain allergens can also cause skin reactions as well. The rash caused by contact with an allergen is commonly known as contact dermatitis. Chronic skin irritation can also manifest as eczema.
Additionally, contact with an allergen can cause hives, or asthma-like symptoms in some people. Wheezing and shortness of breath can be potentially life-threatening.
There are many approaches to managing your allergy symptoms, from checking daily pollen counts to managing allergic reactions with over-the-counter medications.
If you're ready for long-term relief, know that there are options! Learn more about allergy drops, allergy shots, and our new, fast-acting allergy procedure known as ExACT Immunoplasty.
Whatever you choose, your road to an allergy-free life starts with an allergy test at one of our clinics.
Check out our additional resources below, too. Download our allergen calendar or take a quiz to determine if your symptoms are from a cold, or if they are allergies.
Just as your respiratory system can respond to stimuli in the environment with an allergic reaction to foreign particles, your body may trigger a similar reaction in the presence of certain foods. Research has shown that 4% to 6% of American children and 3% to 5% of all adults have true food allergies.
Don’t be fooled by common non-allergic adverse food reactions such as gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, or food poisoning. These are not true “allergies” caused by a histamine response. These typically occur further along in the gastrointestinal tract and need to be treated and diagnosed separately from true food allergies.
The most severe food allergy reactions involve the body going into anaphylaxis, in which the tongue, throat and other tissues swell. Many experience hyperventilation or shortness of breath. This type of reaction can constrict breathing and pose a serious, immediate threat.
In addition, hives, cramping, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal distress may accompany an allergic reaction to certain foods.
Yes, there are! We are on the cutting edge of food allergy treatment with Oral Immunotherapy.
Research has shown that controlled introduction to trace amounts of food allergens, under the watchful supervision of a physician, can reduce and eliminate food allergy reactions.
Learn more about Food Challenges and what OIT can do for you or your child.
