What are allergies?

What are allergies?

Allergies refer to when various substances trigger your immune system to react. For instance, certain foods or pollen can force your body to have a strong reaction. Getting an allergy consultation is essential. Even if your allergies aren’t severe and don’t pose any life-threatening issues, they can create serious obstacles to you living your life the way you want to.

What are the different types of allergies?

There are countless types of allergies and an even bigger group of factors causing each one. Some of the most common allergies include:

• Dust allergies

• Skin allergies

• Food allergies

• Insect allergies

• Pet allergies

• Eye allergies

• Sinus infections

• Mold allergies

• Cockroach allergies

• Latex allergies

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Get in touch with Family Tree Medical Group if you’ve noticed that your body reacts unusually to your immediate environment.

How do I know if I have allergies?

You’ll know if you have an allergy based on the symptoms you exhibit. Allergies can affect your entire body or impact your ability to breathe and the condition of your skin.

The most common types of symptoms can be divided into groups:

• Food allergy symptoms:

  • Throat, lip, or tongue swelling

  • Mouth tingling

  • Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition

  • HivesYou should address these symptoms immediately to prevent life-threatening consequences.

• Hay fever (otherwise called allergic rhinitis) causes:

  • Continuous sneezing

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Watery or itchy eyesYour doctor at Family Tree Medical Group can recommend the best medication to settle your symptoms.

• Insect sting allergy (mild to severe) symptoms:

  • Wheezing, chest tightness, coughing

  • Anaphylaxis

  • Widespread itching or hives

  • Swelling in the bite areaContact Family Tree Medical Group if you think you’re reacting unusually to an insect bite.

How do you diagnose and treat allergies?

Family Tree Medical Group has years of experience diagnosing a wide range of allergies. The most common type of diagnostic tool is an allergy test, which can take the form of a blood or skin test.

Once your doctor identifies what you’re allergic to, they can recommend medication, nasal spray, or eye drops to relieve your symptoms. If you’re experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, your doctor recommends an epinephrine shot.

Get in touch with the team at Family Tree Medical Group today by phone or online to get your allergies in check.