The immune system is normally supposed to protect us from foreign substances, but sometimes it gets confused and starts reacting to harmless substances as if they were harmful. That is when we get allergic reactions. Allergies can affect almost every part of your body. Some allergies only cause symptoms in one part of your body, while others affect multiple parts at once. Most people have more than one allergy. If you are struggling with an allergy, an allergist Surprise, AZ can help.
Some common types of allergies include:
Food allergies -Food allergies are caused by an overreaction by the immune system, which causes symptoms such as hives (raised bumps), swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing after eating certain foods or foods with particular additives or preservatives such as sulfites or nitrates. Common food allergens include peanuts, which may cause severe reactions, and tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and shellfish.
Drugs and medications– Drug allergy is the most common type of allergy. Many drugs can cause drug allergies, including aspirin, antibiotics, and other medications used to treat infections. If you are allergic to one drug, you may be allergic to others similar in structure or function.
Latex allergies– Latex allergies are caused by an immune system response to the proteins found in latex that cause inflammation and swelling. These reactions can cause itching, hives, breathing problems, and more. Latex allergies can be severe enough to cause anaphylaxis if someone with them comes into contact with it.
Pet dander– A pet dander is a microscopic hair on a cat, dog, or other animal. Dander is present in all species of animals, but it is found in greater quantities in cats, dogs, and other animals with thick fur. When you have an allergy to pet dander, you may experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion.
The most common allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Itching of the skin, scalp, or ears
What is the best treatment for allergies?
Allergy avoidance
The best treatment for allergies is to avoid the allergen. The most common allergens are dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and animal hair.
If you have asthma or other breathing problems, your doctor may recommend keeping a strict schedule of allergy shots to prevent symptoms from worsening once you start to come down with an allergic reaction. You may also be prescribed medications that relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and coughing.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the best form of treatment for allergies. It involves using certain medicines to help your body build up its resistance to allergens, which makes you less sensitive to them. Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as medications or inhalants.
Allergies can affect the nose, throat, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Different types of allergies and symptoms can vary depending on what part of the body is affected. Some people experience allergic symptoms only when exposed to certain triggers, such as dust or pet dander, while others might experience reactions at any time of day or year. Contact Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat professionals if you are dealing with allergies.
