Allergies are a signal from your immune system to avoid specific substances. While these substances may be harmless to other people, they may trigger a violent reaction that may harm your health. If allergies are a nuisance in your life, the Surprise allergist at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat has the solution for you.
What an allergic reaction feels like
Allergies are a violent reaction of your immune system to foreign substances that are harmless to other people. A substance that triggers allergies is known as an allergen. Your immune system produces antibodies that protect you against harmful substances. When you touch or inhale an allergen, your immune system’s violent reaction can inflame your digestive system, sinuses, airways, or skin. The severity of this disorder may vary from one individual to the next and may range from mild to severe. There is no known cure for most allergies, but Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat offers several treatment options to alleviate allergy symptoms. Your symptoms will rely on the type of allergen you came into contact with and the severity of your symptoms. Common allergens include certain chemicals, insects, pollen, dairy products, nuts, and eggs.
Symptoms associated with allergies
People react differently to different allergens, meaning your symptoms may differ from those of another person. Allergy symptoms are categorized into two:
- Airborne allergy symptoms
Airborne allergens result in a reaction medically known as rhinitis, which includes a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, and sneezing.
- Medicine, food, and insect allergy symptoms
These allergens cause slightly different symptoms that don’t include allergic rhinitis. You may experience trouble breathing, losing consciousness, vomiting, eye-watering, hives, or vomiting.
If your allergy symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter medications, inform your Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Also, tell your provider if the symptoms began immediately after starting a new medication.
How doctors diagnose allergies
If you suspect allergies, don’t allow your symptoms to worsen before seeing a medical specialist. During your appointment at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat, your doctor discusses your symptoms and substances that could trigger your allergies. Your provider may also need to review your family’s health history. Afterward, the team may conduct patch, blood, or skin prick tests to determine the substance causing your allergies.
Available treatments for allergies
The safest and most effective way to manage allergies is avoiding them, but it may always be possible. In such cases, your provider may recommend other types of treatment, including medicines like corticosteroids, immunotherapy, antihistamine, or decongestants. If you have anaphylaxis (severe allergies) may administer an auto-injector. Medical specialists recommend that if you have a high risk of severe allergies, always carry two epinephrine auto-injections. While there is no known cure for allergies, you can prevent an allergic reaction or manage your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend avoiding known allergens, informing your loved ones about your allergies and teaching them how to use an auto-injector, and considering putting on a medical identification bracelet specifying your allergy.
Call the Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat office today for an early allergy diagnosis, or schedule an appointment online.
