What are allergies?
Allergies are a common medical problem that occurs when your immune system identifies a harmless substance, such as pet dander or pollen, as a threatening invader. This encourages the production of antibodies, which trigger an allergic reaction.
Allergies affect everyone differently. For some people, they’re a minor annoyance that causes itchy skin or watery eyes. For others, they trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. There’s no way to cure allergies, but with proper diagnosis, it’s possible to manage them and live a happy, healthy life.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
The symptoms of allergies depend on the underlying substance involved, but they usually cause inflammation of your skin, sinuses, nasal passages, or digestive system. Telltale signs of allergies include:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Tingling in the mouth
- Hives
- Swelling
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Rash
- Wheezing
If you experience a severe allergic reaction to a substance or anaphylaxis, you might also experience a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or nausea and vomiting.
How are allergies diagnosed?
To diagnose allergies, your doctor at Physicians Medical Urgent Care:
- Asks questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing
- Does a physical exam
- Discusses your triggers
If they suspect you have a food allergy, they might also ask you to keep a record of all the food you eat and the beverages you drink.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might also order skin tests and blood tests. During a skin allergy test, your doctor pricks your skin and exposes you to small amounts of certain allergens. If you’re allergic to a particular substance, you develop a welt or hive. Blood allergy testing, on the other hand, measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream.
How are allergies treated?
Treatment for allergies depends on the severity of your symptoms. Knowing your allergies can also help you prevent an asthma attack ahead of time.
If you have mild or moderate allergies, your doctor might recommend something as simple as avoiding potential triggers. You might also benefit from prescription medications that reduce your immune system’s allergic response. Allergy medications come in many forms, including nasal sprays, liquids, pills, and eye drops.
If your allergies persist or don’t respond to other treatments, your doctor might recommend immunotherapy. During immunotherapy, your doctor administers injections of purified allergen extracts. These extracts help your body build up an immunity to a particular allergen.
Don’t let allergies prevent you from living a healthy, active lifestyle. Make an allergy appointment at Physicians Medical Urgent Care today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
