Allergic Reactions
According to the AAAAI report, more than 50 million people are suffering from allergies in the United States.
If a person is experiencing an allergic reaction, he should get immediate treatment; otherwise, it will get worse. You can consult any health care provider or visit an emergency room in your area.
What is an Allergic Reaction?
Our immune system protects our bodies against invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Sometimes the immune system becomes defensive against substances that are not harmful to our body. Allergic reactions are caused when your body reacts to these substances. The substances or allergens can get into your body by eating, touching, and inhaling.
Following are some common types of allergies:
- Dust mites
- Bee stings
- Animal dander
- Insect bites
- Foods, milk, peanuts, eggs, fish, soy.
- Pollens and plants
- Mold, etc.
Allergic Reactions Symptoms
Allergic reactions occur when your immune system misinterprets an allergen (foreign substance) and overreacts to it. This overreaction of your immune system results in the production of a chemical named histamine, which can cause multiple symptoms that include:
- Sneezing (allergic rhinitis)
- Inflammation
- Coughing
- Red, watering, itchy eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath
- A raised, red, itchy rash (hives)
- Swollen tongue, lips, or face
Allergic Reactions Causes
There are several factors that can trigger the above-mentioned allergic reactions that include:
- Food allergies (nuts, shellfish, etc.)
- Bee stings or bites
- Certain types of plants
- Mold or Pollen
If you have a good immune system, the allergic reaction will subside soon. On the other hand, if the allergic reaction is severe and it gets worse with time, you should consult a healthcare professional to avoid prolonging the discomfort. At Crescent Medical Center, our expert team of healthcare workers can help you understand the symptoms, and provide you with immediate relief.
The Diagnosis of Allergic Reactions
The doctor will diagnose your allergy reaction by carefully examining its condition. The patient has to tell his medical history and how many times he has experienced this condition. It is important for doctors to detect the triggers of allergies that cause the allergy to happen. The doctor may take some tests, such as a challenge-type test, skin test, or blood test. Skin tests will help the doctor diagnose the allergic reaction caused by food, pollen, bee stings, mosquito bites, etc.
Challenge test is effective in diagnosing food allergies, and simply eliminating the food from the diet can help the patient to avoid allergy. Blood tests are taken to check the antibodies in the blood, fighting against allergens. After taking these tests, doctors have enough information to diagnose the condition of the patient.
Allergic Reactions Treatment
Allergies are treated depending on the intensity of symptoms and the patient medical history. The doctor may take some tests to diagnose the symptoms. There are many allergy treatment options used by doctors to cure the condition. Below are some common treatments used to cure allergies.
- Decongestants
- Nasal sprays
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Oral corticosteroid
- Ointments and allergy creams
- Epinephrine
It is important to get immediate medical treatment for allergies because some allergies can be life-threatening. Your physician will closely monitor the allergy and provide you with the best possible treatment.
Seek Help from Crescent Medical Center
Crescent Medical Center has qualified physicians and expert doctors who know how to cure seasonal and other kinds of allergies. Our staff will diagnose your allergy symptoms and provide you with the best treatment to control your allergy as soon as possible.