Category: The Jacksonville AllerGIST!

With spring in full swing and summer on the way, we get to enjoy the benefits warmer weather and longer days. But with warmer weather comes allergies for many people. Even if you’ve never had allergies in the past, it’s possible to develop allergies as an adult. Adult-onset allergies, such as hay fever or food allergies, often appear in your twenties or thirties but can come on at any age. If you have dealt with a runny nose, scratchy throat, or continuous cold this spring, don’t count out spring allergies.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies develop when your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as a threat. Common allergens include pollen, animal dander, dust, mold, and food. When an allergen enters your body, your immune system cells release chemicals, such as histamines, which attack the allergen and cause allergy symptoms.

Common allergy symptoms include:

• Itchy, runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Congestion
• Skin irritation
• Digestive system issues

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and in some cases, can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic condition.

Why Am I Getting Allergies Now?

The exact reason for adult-onset allergies is hard to pinpoint as experts still don’t know exactly what triggers it. What we do know is allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), are increasing rapidly in the U.S. and around the world.

Theories as to why increases in allergies are occurring include:

• High concentrations of airborne pollutants
• Diets
• Less ventilation in offices or homes
• Sedentary lifestyles

Another popular theory is the hygiene hypothesis which states a sanitary environment without exposure to bacteria increases the susceptibility to allergies. Sanity environments could be suppressing the natural development of our immune systems. With our homes and food being much cleaner than past generations, our immune systems may not be seeing the repertoire of environmental substances needed to develop a tolerance, so they overreact to allergens.

Am I at Risk?

If you had allergy symptoms as a baby or toddler (e.g., food allergy), they may fade during the teen years and return as an adult. However, this isn’t the case for all. Some people experience allergies for the first time as adults. As we age, our immune systems change too. Experiencing an illness, getting a pet, being pregnant, or moving to a new location with different allergens may launch an immune response and the development of allergies.

Managing Your Adult-Onset Allergy Symptoms

While no one likes the idea of developing allergies late in life, there are plenty of ways to cope with them and treat them. First, see an allergist for proper diagnosis of an allergen and to discuss proper treatment options for the type of allergen. Management may include avoiding the allergen, taking antihistamines, or immunotherapy (allergy shots) which is a way to retrain your immune system to stop reacting to allergens. Some allergies, such as food allergies or insect venom allergies, can be more serious than others. Be sure to discuss with your allergist the best options for managing and treating your specific allergies.

While allergies can be unpleasant no matter the age, the board certified allergists at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida are here to help. Schedule an appointment today for allergy testing and to set up a treatment plan.

The benefits of living in Florida are plentiful. Sunny days, beautiful plants, and warm temperatures are all a part of daily life in the sunshine state. The only downside to such a warm, welcoming climate are the allergies that many residents deal with throughout the year.

Florida grasses, such as Bahia, Bermuda, and Johnson grasses, are significant allergy culprits in the spring and summer months. Long summers cause grasses to grow longer and produce pollen which results in prolonged exposure grass allergens.

Grass pollen allergies typically cause itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, scratchy throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, and even asthma attacks in severe cases. The symptoms can appear similar to colds and the flu that many may confuse allergy symptoms with a viral illness.

10 Tips to Reduce Grass Allergy Symptoms

While grass allergy season happens every year, it doesn’t mean you should be miserable. Use the following tips for dealing with grass allergies so you can enjoy life as normal this spring.

1. Schedule an appointment with your allergist as soon as possible. Don’t try to tough it out. An allergist can recommend the most optimal medications or other allergy treatments such as immunotherapy (allergy shots) so you don’t have to suffer all summer long. Don’t wait until the symptoms start, schedule your appointment early.
2. Download an allergy app or check the pollen forecast daily. On days with high pollen counts, enjoy indoor activities such as going to a movie or wandering around the mall. Warm days typically result in higher pollen counts. Damp or wet days hold pollen to the ground and are better days to enjoy the outdoors.
3. Keep grasses in your yard short. The shorter your lawn is, the less pollen will likely be released into the air.
4. Delegate yard work duties. If you suffer from grass allergies, mowing your lawn or doing yard work increases your pollen exposure. Delegate these tasks to another family member or hire a yard crew. If you must do the work yourself, wear an N95 protective mask and take an antihistamine beforehand.
5. Change your clothes after being outside. Don’t risk bringing pollen indoors on your clothes and wash your clothes often.
6. Clean your children and pets. Wash the clothes of babies and toddlers often to avoid inhaling pollen they pick up. Also, wipe down your pets and bath them often during the spring and summer to keep them from bringing pollen indoors.
7. Dress children appropriately. If your child suffers from grass allergies and will be playing on the grass, dress them in cool but long pants and sleeves to avoid contact as much as possible.
8. Avoid hanging clothes out to dry outside. While the fresh smell and economic benefits of hang drying your laundry may be preferred, it exposes your clean clothes to pollen. Dry your clothes indoors during the spring and summer months in the dryer or on a hanging rack.
9. Keep the windows shut. A breeze is nice, but not on days with high pollen counts. Keep your home cool by closing blinds or drapes and using air conditioning.
10. Clean the air in your home. To ensure you have clean air in your home each day, change your HVAC air filter every three months. It may also be beneficial to invest in a HEPA filter air purifier to reduce the allergens in your home.

Don’t let spring and summer grass allergies get the best of you. Schedule an appointment with an allergist at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida today.

Exercise is important for everyone (including people with asthma) to maintain a strong, healthy body. Regular exercise is one of the body’s strongest defenses against disease. Yet people with asthma can often experience asthma episodes when they exercise.

Don’t let your asthma be an excuse to skip a workout. With proper prevention and management, you should be able to exercise without asthma symptoms.

What Is Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (Asthma)?

Exercise can cause shortness of breath for anyone. But for some people,  the airways in the lungs abruptly narrow in response to strenuous exercise and this called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), commonly known as exercise-induced asthma. Nearly 90% of people who suffer from asthma will experience EIB during exercise, but not everyone with EIB has asthma.

Symptoms of exercise induced bronchospasm include the following during exercise:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing and coughing
• Tightness in chest
• Decreased endurance

Symptoms usually begin during exercise and can get worse 5-10 minutes into your workout. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically resolve within 20-30 minutes with rest.

What Causes EIB?

When you exercise, your breath deepens and you breathe faster because your body needs more oxygen. It’s common to inhale through your mouth drawing in dry or cool air, the main trigger for narrowing airways. When you’re exposed to cold, dry air during exercise, you’re more likely to develop asthma symptoms than you would with warm, humid air. Other triggers can include high pollen levels and other airborne irritants such as smoke or strong fumes.

How to Diagnose EIB

An allergist can help determine whether your symptoms are induced by exercise alone or if you are reacting to other irritants or allergens in the air. During the examination, your allergist will ask questions about your history including if any relatives have asthma. Your doctor may have you do a series of tests to measure your breathing and lung function before, during, and after exercise.

Treatment and Management of EIB

After a diagnosis, your doctor will help you create a plan to prevent asthma symptoms during physical activity. They will also inform you of what to do if you experience an asthma episode during exercise.

Proper management of EIB may include:

• Preventing symptoms by covering your nose and mouth with a scarf when exercising in cold, dry weather
• Taking medication recommended by your doctor before exercising
• Doing a proper warm-up for up to 10 minutes before vigorous activity
• Watching your respiratory status before, during, and after exercise

If your children have EIB, be sure to inform teachers and coaches. Most children can still participate in activities but may need to take medication beforehand.

Consult with your allergist or health provider before starting an exercise program. With proper management, you can still perform well and excel in a variety of sports.

Activities likely to trigger EIB:

• Skiing
• Ice skating
• Ice hockey
• Snowboarding
• Soccer
• Long distance running

Activities that may be less likely to trigger EIB:

• Volleyball
• Baseball
• Gymnastics
• Walking
• Hiking
• Swimming in warm water

Common Medications for EIB

Your allergist may prescribe one of the following types of medications to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

• Short-acting beta-agonists / bronchodilator: When taken 10-15 minutes before exercise, this medication can prevent symptoms. This can also treat symptoms of EIB if they occur.
• Long-acting beta-agonists / bronchodilator: This medication only prevents symptoms and does not offer quick relief once symptoms start. It must be taken 30-60 minutes before an activity and can only be used once in a 12-hour period. It can help prevent EIB symptoms for 10-12 hours.
• Leukotriene inhibitor: This medication is a pill and is typically taken at least 2 hours before exercise and is effective at preventing EIB symptoms for up to 24 hours. There is some evidence that this medication may be more effective than long acting bronchodilators for prevention of EIB symptoms.

If you or your child have EIB, don’t let this keep you from enjoying exercise. Consult with an allergist at The Allergy and Asthma Specialists of North Florida to begin a treatment plan.

Across the country, families are counting down to spring break to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation while the kids are out of school. Yet, springtime can also be the worst time of the year for allergies.

Before you head out on your spring break adventures, keep these travel tips in mind so both you and your kids can enjoy a fun and relaxing spring break.

Choose a Proper Destination

Your vacation destination can be key. Certain locations may make your or your child’s allergies even worse. Locations with lush vegetation and pollen-producing plants are more likely to keep you sniffling and sneezing all week long. Popular allergy friendly locations include the desert, beaches, snowy locations, and cruises.

Schedule an Appointment with an Allergist Before You Go

Allergies can come at any age. An allergist can tell you exactly what allergens you or your child is allergic to through allergy testing. These tests are typically conducted as skin tests or blood tests. Skin tests are most common and involve testing an area on the back or forearm. If your child allergic to an allergen, they may briefly experience a small hive at the test spot.

Blood tests are also helpful and may be used as a confirmatory test or when certain medical conditions prevent allergy skin testing. Once you receive a diagnosis, your allergist can recommend the most optimal treatment plan to reduce symptoms.

Start Allergy Medications Before Symptoms Start

The key to making it through allergy season unscathed is by starting allergy medications before the symptoms start. Medications can be useful after symptoms are present, but it takes longer to feel relief. Speak with your allergist to get your kids started on allergy medications before spring break starts.

Keep Windows and Doors Shut

If you’re headed to a location with higher levels of pollen and other outdoor allergens, reduce exposure by keeping the windows and doors shut in the home and in your car. Use air conditioning for fresh, filtered air and make sure the air filters are clean and working properly.

Avoid Peak Times of Day

Download an allergy app or check the pollen count in the area you’re traveling to each day. Some days may be worse than others and you may need to keep the kids inside during peak hours. Pollen counts peak in the afternoon and is lowest in the morning and late afternoon or evening.

Travel Prepared for Anaphylaxis

While most allergies aren’t severe, there’s the potential for a life-threatening reaction to foods or certain stinging insects. Go on vacation prepared by carrying an epinephrine pen if there is a history of severe allergies to foods or insects (such as bees, wasps, hornets or fire ants). Always have the epinephrine pen available in the event your you or your child is exposed to a serious allergen and experiences anaphylaxis.

Get your family ready for a fun and relaxing spring break by thinking about allergy prevention before you go. If you think you or your child needs allergy testing, contact the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida for testing and treatment options.

Have you ever noticed red, itchy patches on your face, inner elbows, hands, or behind your knees? If you scratched it, the red patches likely became even more irritated and inflamed. Or maybe you’ve noticed red, inflamed patches on your child’s cheeks, chin or chest.

Eczema is a common skin condition for both children and adults. Learn more about why eczema occurs and how to find relief.

What Exactly is Eczema?

Eczema is a name which encompasses a group of skin conditions known to cause redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin. It is derived from the Greek word meaning, “to boil over.”

This is a good description of the red, itchy, inflamed patches of skin visible during flare-ups. Eczema comes in several different types and symptoms can range from mild, moderate, to severe.

The most common types of eczema include:

• Atopic Eczema
• Contact Dermatitis
• Xerotic Eczema
• Seborrheic Dermatitis

Eczema is a common condition, and in most cases, is manageable. Babies or children most often develop eczema on their face, but it can appear anywhere on the body. Symptoms typically go away as a child grows older, though some children experience eczema symptoms into adulthood. Symptoms can also occur in adulthood without ever showing signs in childhood.

What Causes Eczema?

While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers believe a combination of environmental factors and genetics may be involved.

Eczema triggers can be different for everyone. You or your child may experience triggers or worsening symptoms during certain times of the year or in certain situations. Common triggers include:

• Dry skin: If your skin becomes too dry, it can become scaly, rough, or tight.
• Irritants: Everyday products may cause your skin to itch and burn. This may include soaps, shampoo, detergent, body wash, cleansers, fragrances, disinfectants, and metals. Even natural liquids such as fresh fruit juice, vegetables, or meats could irritate your skin.
• Allergens: These are materials in the environment that cause someone with an allergy to experience an allergic reaction or eczema flare up. Common allergen triggers include mold, pollen, dust mites, dandruff, and pet dander.
• Climate and sweating: Eczema isn’t limited to cold, dry climates. For some people, their eczema flares up when they exercise or wear too many layers to bed. Flare-ups can occur in both dry and humid climates.
• Stress: Emotional stress can cause eczema flare-ups for some, but the exact reason for this is unknown.

How Do You Treat Eczema?

Due to the many types of eczema and triggers which can differ from person to person, what works for one person may not work for another. It’s best to consult with your doctor before trying new treatments as some changes to your daily routine could cause worsening symptoms.

Daily Routines & Natural Methods

Perhaps the single best way to keep eczema flare-ups from occurring is establishing a daily skincare and moisturizing routine. In many cases, these preventive measures can safely treat eczema symptoms.

Cool-to-lukewarm baths or showers and aggressive moisturizing play an important role in treating eczema. Avoid taking hot showers or baths as the hot water can cause further skin irritation. Use mild, fragrance-free soaps to wash your skin, being careful to avoid soaps or cleanser which strip natural oils, resulting in excessive dryness.

Refrain from rubbing or scrubbing the affected skin with a loofah or washcloth and pat your skin lightly with a towel when you are finished, leaving your skin slightly damp. Hydrate your skin immediately following a bath or shower by applying a topical medication prescribed by your doctor, natural lotion or cream (no fragrances or dyes), or both. Consult with your doctor to decide the best creams, ointments, or lotions to use as even “natural” products could contain known allergens and cause irritation for certain users. Don’t limit moisturizing to bath times, apply natural creams, ointments, or lotions throughout the day whenever your skin feels dry.

Be careful to avoid rubbing or scratching your skin and limit contact with substances or materials which could further irritate your skin. Wear soft, breathable clothing and avoid itchy wool fabrics.

Prescription Creams

In more severe, inflamed cases of eczema, your doctor may prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory cream. These usually include topical steroids and newer non-steroid creams and ointments. Follow your doctor’s directions for dosage and application directions, including where on the body to apply prescription creams.

Manage Stress

If your eczema flares up based on stressful situations, recognize which events or situations cause you stress and learn to avoid or cope with them by using stress management techniques. You may find helpful resources on your own, or get help from your doctor or psychologist.

If you or your child are experiencing eczema, the condition may be caused by an allergen or irritant. Schedule an appointment at on of our 4 convenient Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida clinics to find the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Essential oils have been around for centuries, but a new interest is sweeping the market. Maybe you’ve picked up a bottle in the store or attended an essential oil party in the home of a friend. While many benefit claims are unsupported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), companies and those who use essential oils claim they help with several conditions including depression/anxiety, headaches, congestion, hormone imbalance, cold sores, high blood pressure, and much more.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated herbal remedies derived from plants. For example, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, orange, and tea tree oil. Many of these oils and others are packaged in blends or sold as single oils for aromatherapy. Oils can be diffused into the air, massaged into the skin, or ingested in a capsule.

Is there evidence that essential oils help asthma?

While individuals and companies (within certain limits) claim essential oils may help a variety of conditions, there is no evidence that essential oils can help asthma. In reality, breathing in the particles released by the oils, or any strong fragrance (natural or otherwise), may trigger bronchoconstriction (i.e. asthma symptoms).

Essential oils are highly concentrated and emit strong odors due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including terpenes, toluene, and benzene, when diffused in the air. Terpenes are associated with increased shortness of breath, especially in the evenings (i.e, nocturnal breathlessness)  bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and peak expiratory flow variability in patients with or without asthma. There have been anecdotal claims of respiratory issues for people with or without asthma due to airborne irritants from a variety of diffused essential oils. 

VOCs within the diffused oils can affect indoor air quality causing a similar pollutant effect as air fresheners, scented candles, and incense. Poor indoor air quality can worsen existing respiratory symptoms from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. In addition, some essential oils are harmful to inhale or can irritate the skin. Use on young children may cause severe irritation or could be poisonous if ingested.

Are alternative treatments safe?

Essential oils are not regulated the same way prescription medications are for asthma. Alternative medicine treatments do not undergo scientific review and may not be safe.

There currently is no scientific evidence that supports essential oils help people with asthma. In fact, diffused oils may cause greater harm to those who suffer from asthma. The FDA has issued warning letters to essential oil companies who make unsubstantiated claims about their uses.

Talk to your doctor before substituting an alternative medicine for an asthma medicine prescribed by your doctor. While the oils are considered “natural”, they release VOCs which have been associated with increased asthma symptoms.

Before substituting essential oils for medications, consult with a trained physician. If you suffer from asthma, get clear answers from the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida. Our doctors specialize in the treatment and management of allergy and asthma symptoms for children and adults. Contact us for more information or schedule an appointment online today.

Sources:
http://www.aaaai.org/ask-the-expert/oil-diffusers-asthma
https://community.aafa.org/blog/asthma-are-essential-oils-harmful-or-helpful

How can floating particles in the air cause such unfavorable allergic reactions? Outdoor allergens can lead to hay fever and a range of allergy symptoms. These symptoms often including runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and itching of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, and roof of the mouth. The causes of these reactions are typically from mold spores or pollen in the air.

Your body’s immune system controls how it defends itself. If you are allergic to pollen, your immune system thinks pollen is an invader and overreacts by producing antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). When these antibodies travel to cells that release chemical, an allergic reaction occurs.

Don’t let outdoor allergies get the best of you. Get to know the two most common outdoor allergens and how to avoid them.

Mold Spores

Mold spores can exist almost anywhere and even float in the air. Molds are tiny fungi similar to mushrooms but without roots, stems, or leaves. Outdoor mold spores increase when temperatures rise in the spring. In the United States, outdoor molds peak in July in warmer states and October in colder states. Mold is present in the South and on the West Coast year-round.

Tips to Avoid Exposure to Outdoor Mold Spores

• Avoid going outdoors on rainy or windy days when mold may be in the air.
• Keep rain gutters and drains clear of leaves and debris. Make sure downspouts flow water away from the house.
• Avoid yard activities or wear a mask when mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or gardening with compost.
• Keep excess leaves, compost, and grass away from areas near your home.

Plant Pollen

Pollen are tiny particles that fertilize plants. Many plants have flowers that produce powdery pollen which can be easily spread by the wind. Colorful flowers such as roses rarely cause allergies and rely on insects to transport pollen for fertilization.

Plants that release pollen have a specific period of pollination during the year and weather can affect the amount of pollen in the air. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is typically caused by tree pollen in early spring. Grass pollen can cause allergy symptoms in late spring and early summer. Hay fever is caused by weed pollen in late summer. In warmer areas, pollen can be present year-round.

Tips to Avoid Exposure to Outdoor Pollen

• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Keep an eye on local pollen reports or download a weather app for daily pollen counts in your area. Pollen counts are typically lowest just after sunrise and highest in the afternoon.
• Mow your lawn often, and if possible, have a family member or friend do it for you. If you must mow, use antihistamines before you mow and wear a dust mask.
• Keep the windows and doors of your house or car closed all day. Use air conditioning to avoid pollen coming inside.
• Vacation during peak pollen season to a location where the plants you are allergic to don’t grow.

Treatment for Outdoor Allergens

If outdoor allergies continue to be a struggle, see an allergist for relief from seasonal symptoms. An allergist can determine which allergens, if any, are causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better. Your personalized plan may include ways to avoid an allergen and medications for temporary relief.

If symptoms persist, your allergist may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy). This involves regular injections with gradual increases in doses. The process helps your immune system become more resistant to an allergen and lessen symptoms over time.

Are you suffering from outdoor allergens? Call the specialists at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida to make an appointment for allergy testing and treatment today.

Make an Appointment to Get Relief Now

It’s estimated that nearly 70-80% of Americans experience headaches. Those who suffer from allergies already have to deal with rashes, difficulty breathing, congestion, and a host of other unpleasant side effects. Yet, sinus headaches and even migraines can also be added to this list of allergy side effects.

While headaches aren’t typically life-threatening, they can affect your quality of life. If you suffer from allergies and headaches, here’s what you need to know and how to treat them.

Symptoms of a Sinus Headache

Your sinuses are hollow air spaces which allow the exchange of air and mucus. These passages are located behind the eyes and the bridge of the nose, in the forehead, and inside each cheekbone. Any secretions in the sinus cavities typically drain into the nose.

Sinus pain is caused when the sinuses are swollen, filled with fluid or the openings are obstructed. Any obstruction stops normal drainage and causes pressure to build up inside. Many times, the pain is in relation to the affected sinuses. Sinusitis pain can be dull or intense and often is worse in the morning hours after you wake up.

Allergy Headache Triggers

Allergies can trigger sinus pressure and headaches from several sources. The most common allergens and triggers include:

• Certain foods
• Dust
• Pet Dander
• Pollen
• Sinus congestion
• Smoke
• Stress

Managing Allergy Headaches and Triggers

The key to managing your allergies and reducing headaches is limiting exposure to allergens and triggers.

• Stay indoors and keep the windows shut when pollen counts are high.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to keep pollen from getting in your eyes.
• Use the air conditioning in your home and in your car. Make sure to change out the air filters regularly and keep AC units clean.
• Use mite-proof covers in your bedroom for pillows, comforters, and mattresses to reduce exposure to dust mites.
• Keep your home’s humidity at 30-50% to reduce exposure to mold. Clean your kitchen, bathrooms, and basement regularly and use a dehumidifier in damp, humid places.
• Wash floors with a damp mop or rag to avoid dry-sweeping or dusting.
• If you are allergic to a pet, keep them outside of your home. If a pet must be kept indoors, keep it out of the bedroom so you are not exposed to allergens while you sleep.
• Replace carpeting with hardwood, tile or linoleum to reduce dander in the home.

Many sinus headache triggers are airborne and difficult to avoid. Discuss your options with your allergist to decide which treatment options are best for you.

Treatment for Allergy Headaches

If your allergy headaches persist, your allergist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to offer relief.

• Pain Relievers: Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can offer short-term relief for sinus pain.
• Oral & Nasal Decongestants: Available in over the counter (OTC) medications, these can treat nasal congestion and relieve pressure which causes sinus headaches.
• Antihistamines: Histamines are natural chemicals in your body responsible for your body’s response to allergens. Antihistamines help block these chemicals to reduce allergy symptoms. Both OTC and prescription antihistamines are available.
• Intranasal Corticosteroids: These medications are extremely effective at treating allergic rhinitis and help reduce sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots): If you don’t respond well to medications or experience side effects, allergy shots may be recommended by your allergist for a more permanent solution to an allergy problem.

If you’re experiencing sinus headaches and pain due to allergies, speak with your allergist for treatment options. Contact the professionals at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida to schedule an appointment today.

Nearly 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from an allergic disease, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). While the immune system is useful in defending the body against viruses and bacteria, the immune system may defend itself against substances that shouldn’t pose a threat to humans. These substances are referred to as allergens and your body’s defense is an allergic reaction.

What Causes an Allergic Reaction?

Why some people experience allergies is a mystery. Allergies may run in families and can be inherited. If a member of your family has allergies, you may be more likely to develop allergies.

The cause of the reaction can be traced to common substances. People with allergies are typically allergic to:

• Bee stings (or other insect bites)
• Foods (nuts, shellfish, etc.)
• Medications (aspirin, penicillin, etc.)
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Pollen

What Are Common Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction?

Depending on the substance you are allergic to, symptoms can affect your skin, digestive system, airways, sinuses, and nasal passages. These reactions can range from mild to severe and can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

Mild allergic reaction symptoms

• Itching
• Hives
• Nasal congestion
• Rash
• Scratchy throat
• Watery eyes

Severe allergic reaction symptoms

Severe reactions can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, resulting in a sudden drop in blood pressure, swelling of the airway, and difficulty breathing. If you experience a severe reaction, seek emergency assistance right away.

Additional severe symptoms include:

• Flushing of the face
• Fear/anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or tightness in chest
• Swelling of face, eyes, or tongue
• Unconsciousness
• Weakness
• Wheezing

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

Your doctor or allergist can diagnose if you are allergic to foods or other environmental substances through exams and asking about your health history. Your doctor may perform one of the following three tests to determine your allergy.

Allergy Skin Testing

With an allergy skin test, your allergist will apply a trace of a suspected allergen on your skin and wait for a reaction. The substance may be applied by a small prick to the skin, injected under the skin, or taped to the surface of the skin. If you are allergic to one of the tests, you may experience redness and swelling at the test spot within 20 minutes. Delayed reactions may take several hours and typically disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

Skin tests are useful in diagnosing food and environmental allergens, including:

• Allergic contact dermatitis (rash)
• Bee sting or insect allergy
• Food allergy
• Penicillin allergy
• Mold, pollen, or pet dander allergy

Allergy Elimination (or Challenge) Testing

To find out if you are allergic to a certain food, your doctor may suggest removing the food from your diet for several weeks. As you add the food back into your diet, you will be instructed to watch if any symptoms occur.

Allergy Blood Tests

If skin tests are not possible, your allergist may suggest a blood test to look for substances in the blood called antibodies. The most common test measures the blood level of an antibody, immunoglobulin E (IgE), which the body may make in response to an allergen. IgE levels are often higher in people with asthma or allergies.

7 Tips for Controlling an Allergic Reaction

Most people don’t know they have an allergy until symptoms occur. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, here’s how you can help control them:

1. If a severe reaction causes anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical help immediately. An epinephrine auto-injector (adrenaline) may be needed to manage the reaction right away.
2. If an allergen causes a skin reaction such as a rash, wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and apply topical creams or medications to control the itching.
3. Seasonal allergies can be treated with antihistamines and decongestants to reduce symptoms. Talk to your allergist about allergy shots to reduces reactions to seasonal allergies over time.
4. Food allergy symptoms such as hives or itching can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. Prescription drugs are needed to treat other symptoms. Severe food allergies may be treated with epinephrine.
5. Plant allergies causing redness, itching, swelling, and blisters can spread by touch. Thoroughly cleanse the area with soap and water for 10 minutes and take a cool bath. Apply anti-itching (calamine) lotion three to four times a day. See your doctor if symptoms get worse.
6. If you experience an insect string, carefully removing the stinger in a swiping motion and wash the area with soap, water, and apply an antiseptic. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream and cover the area with a bandage. An antihistamine can reduce itching, swelling, and hives.
7. Drug allergies can be treated with an alternative prescription provided by your doctor. Epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids may be needed for serious drug allergy reactions.

See an Allergist for Diagnosis and Treatment

Allergies can develop at any age. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help immediately. Schedule an appointment with an allergist to determine the cause(s) of an allergic reaction and to create a treatment plan.

Need help with your allergies? Contact the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida for diagnosis and treatment of allergies.