An
allergy is an abnormal reaction to something that normally
shouldn't cause any reaction. When that happens, the substance
we are reacting to is called an allergen.
In most people
the body's immune system recognized allergens as harmless,
and deals with them without us even being aware of them.
But in the allergic person, something goes wrong. The immune
system malfunctions and over reacts to the allergen as
if it is dangerous to the body. That reaction results in
the symptoms we associate with allergies.
Most
Common Allergies
- tree
pollens
- weed
pollens
- grass pollens
- foods
- molds
- house
dust
- animal
hair and dander
- insect
stings and bites
- chemicals
- including drugs
- dyes/cosmetics
- certain
plant oleoresins
Allergy
Symptoms
- sneezing
- watery
/ itchy eyes
- cold
symptoms that won't go away
- skin
rashes
- some
types of asthma
- headaches
- persistent
cough
- comiting
- recurring
ear infections
Allergy
Skin Testing
Skin
testing is a method of testing for allergic antibodies.
Testing consists of introducing small amounts of suspected
substances, or allergens, into the skin and noting
the development of a reaction. A positive reaction
is noted when the allergen placed on the skin causes
swelling and redness.
The results are read 15 to 20
minutes after the application of the allergen. Interpretation
of skin tests requires the allergist’s skill
in matching the test results with the patient history
of allergy-like symptoms. Just because a skin test
with a particular substance is positive does not
necessarily mean that substance is causing the symptoms.
More
Info on Skin Testing >>
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Avoidance
You
can avoid or reduce you exposure to the things
that may trigger your allergy symptoms.
If you
cannot avoid the allergens that are causing your
symptoms, over-the-counter and prescription medications
can help control allergy symptoms. Today’s
allergy medications are better than ever. An
allergist can help you decide which medications
are best for you.
Antihistamines/Decongestants
Available
both over-the-counter and by prescription, antihistamines
relieve or prevent allergy symptoms by blocking
the activity of histamine that is produced by the body
during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines come
as capsules, tablets, liquids, and nose sprays.
Anti-Inflammatory
Medications
Inhaled
medications, topical
corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications.
Allergy
Immunotherapy
Allergy
shots, also known as immunotherapy, can actually keep
your body from reacting to allergens, reducing and often
even eliminating
the need for medication.
The shots decrease
a patient’s sensitivity to specific allergens
by injecting gradually increasing doses of purified “extracts” of
the substance that trigger the allergic reaction.
The injections stimulate the immune system to fight
allergies safely, effectively and naturally.
You should consider allergy immunotherapy
if you:
• Are unable to avoid specific allergens.
• Have allergies for long periods of time
throughout
the year.
• Frequently miss work or school because
of allergies.
• Get inadequate relief from medications or
experience
troublesome side effects, or don’t
wish to rely on
constant medications.
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