What are allergies?
Allergies happen when your immune system rejects an airborne substance, food, or object that you come into contact with. The substance or material that causes your allergic reaction is called an allergen. In most situations, your allergen is perfectly normal and doesn’t cause such responses for other people. However, your immune system reacts as if the substance is harmful.
Some allergies are seasonal, while others cause reactions year-round. The symptoms you get when encountering your allergen depends on the type of allergen causing them and the severity of your allergy.
What are some common allergens?
You can be allergic to things that you touch, eat, or breathe in. If you have allergic symptoms, the team at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat performs allergy testing to help you identify your allergen. A few of the most common allergens are:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Milk
- Soy
- Insects
- Insect venom
- Certain medications
- Certain chemicals
The team at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat creates a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms even if you’re frequently exposed to your allergen.
Which symptoms come with allergies?
Allergic symptoms vary from person to person. The type of symptoms you get depends on how you come into contact with your allergen. Common allergic symptoms fit into these two categories:
Airborne allergy symptoms
Airborne allergens cause a reaction called allergic rhinitis. It includes coughing, sneezing, and a stuffy or runny nose.
Insect, food, and medicine allergy symptoms
These allergic symptoms vary greatly, but they don’t include allergic rhinitis. You might experience eye-watering, swelling, hives, vomiting, trouble breathing, or even a loss of consciousness.
Which treatments can help me manage my allergies?
Allergies have no cure, but the team at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat can help you avoid reactions and manage your symptoms. First, they typically recommend avoiding your allergen whenever possible. After an evaluation and an identification of your allergen, they might recommend:
Allergy medications
Some medications can help you manage your allergic reactions either in the moment as they occur or by taking them regularly. The team might recommend nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, or other medications to ease symptoms.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment for allergies that the team recommends when medications and avoiding your allergen aren’t effective. You’ll take tiny regular doses of your allergen to build your tolerance to it slowly.
Allergies can put you at risk for inconvenient or even deadly reactions. To confirm your allergy diagnosis and explore available treatments, book an appointment by phone or online at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat today.
