Learning about allergies - Allergy Partners, P.A.


What causes allergies?

Environmental and food allergens can cause moderate to severe allergic reactions. Allergy is our body's exaggerated and sometimes harmful reaction to external substances, called allergens. Allergy may result from exposure to such common allergens as plant pollens from grasses, trees, or ragweed; animal danders, which are tiny scales shed from the skin and hair of cats and other furred animals; arachnids and insects, such as house dust mites, bees, and wasps; and drugs, such as penicillin.

The most common food allergies are caused by crustacean shellfish, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat. Researchers estimate that at least 24 million people in the United States suffer from allergies—about 19 percent of the population.

In an allergic reaction, the immune system mistakenly interprets a harmless substance as a harmful one. The immune system responds by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies are designed to help neutralize specific parasitic invaders and protect the person from future exposures.

Upon first exposure to an allergen, no allergic symptoms develop. But when the person is exposed to the same substance at a later time, the IgE antibodies against the allergen activate an allergic reaction. Allergy symptoms may include itching, sneezing, a stuffy nose, watery eyes, inflammation of the airways in the lungs and wheezing (known as asthma), and even allergic shock and death in rare situations.
Ref: Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007, © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation

What are my specific allergens?

Several allergen specific tests can be performed by your Allergist to determine what is causing your allergy symptoms. A common test for plant and tree allergens is known is by gently pricking the skin and placing samples of numerous known allergens on your skin's surface. After a short amount of time the reactive results can be analyzed to create a comprehensive list of plant or tree allergens and your ranked sensitivity to each. Your Allergist can then prescribe a treatment which will target these allergens to reduce or alleviate your allergy symptoms.

Should I see an Allergist ?

If you suspect you are having allergy symptoms, the first step to knowing when it is time to visit a qualified Allergist is to evaluate how your symptoms are affecting your quality of life. Occasional sneezing is your body's method for clearing irritants from your nasal passages and is normal. When sneezing becomes persistent and if it is accompanied by watery eyes, nasal drainage and sinus congestion, you may be developing a cycle of allergy symptoms. If you notice continual symptoms after eating particular foods, this may be indicative of a food allergy. Whether related to plant born or food born allergens, when these symptoms affect your body's ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you may want to consider contacting a qualified Allergist to determine the cause and to learn about the treatments available to relieve your allergy symptoms.

If you suspect that you are suffering from allergies, Allergy Partners, P.A. has 22 office locations nation-wide to help you feel better, breathe easier and have a better quality of life.

Click here to locate an Allergy Partners Office in your region.

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