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What is an
allergy?
One of the marvels of the human
body is that it can defend itself
against harmful invaders such as
viruses or bacteria. But sometimes,
the defenses are too aggressive
and certain substances are mistakenly
identified by the body as dangerous.
The immune system rallies its defenses,
launching a host of complex chemical
weapons to attack and destroy the
supposed enemy. In the process,
some unpleasant and, in extreme
cases, life-threatening symptoms
may be experienced.
What
causes allergic reactions?
Many ordinary substances can trigger
an allergic reaction. Among the
most common triggers are plant pollens,
molds, household dust, dust mites,
animal dander, chemicals, foods,
medications, feathers and insect
stings. These triggers are called
“allergens”. It is the body’s response
to these allergens that causes the
symptoms of allergy.
What
are the different types of allergic
reactions and symptoms?
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) –
Allergic rhinitis describes reactions
that take place when an allergen
is inhaled through the nose or mouth.
Symptoms may include sneezing, congestion,
runny nose, excess mucus, itchy
eyes, scratchy or burning throat
and skin itching. These symptoms
may be caused by pollen and only
occurs during the warm seasons.
Sometimes the symptoms are year-round,
in which the culprit may be dust,
dander from indoor pets or animals,
or, less frequently, a food allergy.
Contact Dermatitis
(Skin Allergy) – Contact
dermatitis, eczema and hives are
skin conditions that can be caused
by allergens or other irritants.
When skin comes in direct contact
with these items, symptoms may occur.
There are many triggers in addition
to the ones listed above.
Asthma –
Asthma is caused when bronchial
muscle spasms constrict the flow
of air to the lungs. The linings
of airways become inflamed and swollen,
and excess mucus may clog the airways.
An asthma attack is characterized
by labored or restricted breathing,
a tight feeling in the chest, coughing
and wheezing. The symptoms may develop
quickly and may vary in severity
from mild discomfort to life-threatening
events.
Anaphylaxis
– Anaphylaxis is a rare, potentially
fatal allergic reaction that affects
many parts of the body at once.
The trigger may be an insect sting,
a food or medication. Symptoms may
include a drop in blood pressure,
flushing, difficulty breathing,
swelling of the throat and loss
of consciousness. The symptoms may
be immediate and progress rapidly.
Emergency medical attention should
be sought at the first sign of an
anaphylactic reaction.
How can an allergist
help?
An allergist has specialized training
and expertise in managing patients
with these conditions. They can
help you identify causes, triggers
and develop a treatment plan for
your individual needs. The goal
is for you to lead a life that is
normal and as symptom-free as possible.
What
can you expect during an allergy
evaluation?
An allergy evaluation has many components.
It will include a thorough history
of your symptoms, triggers and environment.
A physical exam is performed to
aid in making a diagnosis. Many
types of diagnostic testing are
available as well. This may include
allergy skin testing, pulmonary
functions and specialized tests
that can be ordered for specific
medication, food or exercise conditions.
A treatment plan is designed to
address the specific concerns of
each patient, with the goal to have
each patient understand their disease,
as well as its treatment and prevention
options.
What
types of treatments are available?
Prevention
– The most effective approach to
treating asthma or allergies is
to avoid the factors that trigger
the condition in the first place.
Even when it is not possible to
completely avoid allergens, an allergist
can design strategies for reducing
exposure and preventing symptoms.
Medications
– A number of new and effective
medications are available. The goal
is to outline what is available
and to balance safety and effective
plans with what each patients needs.
Immunotherapy
(Allergy Injections)
– In this treatment, the patient
is injected over the course of time
with gradually increasing doses
of the substances to which they
are allergic. In many cases, the
body’s reaction to the substance
becomes less pronounced over time.
What
is a food allergy?
A true food allergy involves the
abnormal response of the body’s
immune mechanisms to specific foods
or food ingredients. A wide variety
of symptoms occur with a food allergy
and usually fall into these categories:
• Gastro-intestinal: abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Skin : itching, hives, swelling,
rash
• Upper and lower respiratory: asthma,
cough, nasal symptoms, watery/itchy
eyes, throat swelling, hoarseness,
trouble swallowing.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe and
sometimes fatal type of food allergy.
Symptoms can develop within minutes
or hours after eating and immediate
medical attention must be sought.
What
foods cause allergic reactions?
Foods that commonly cause allergy
in infants and children are egg,
fish, milk, peanuts, soy, and wheat.
Foods that commonly cause allergy
in adults are soy, fish, shellfish,
peanuts and nuts. However, food
allergy may develop to any food
that is included in the diet, and
may develop at any time in life.
How are
food allergies treated?
Once a food allergy is diagnosed,
avoidance is critical. Food selection
and preparation techniques must
be carefully reviewed. There are
many educational resources available
when seeking help for the food allergic
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