Allergies 101: A Brief Guide to Common Allergies

Allergies might not sound very intimidating but can become very aggravating and disrupt daily life. Any person with an overactive immune system is quick to respond to any environmental stimulant. It can be anything ranging from grass, dust, pet fur, pollen, or a specific food. A report released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of Americareveals that almost 50 million Americans suffer from an allergic reaction annually. With allergies, it’s hard to figure out what exactly is triggering it. But it’s crucial to know what allergens affect your health the most to avoid any life-threatening situations.

Why Do Allergic Reactions Occur?

The human body is built to withstand and react to any external stimulant that might harm it. When your immune system is oversensitive, it might mount a defense against any harmless foreign agent entering the body, resulting in an allergic reaction.
The immune system of people with allergies identifies pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet fur as harmful invaders. A specific protective antibody called IgE is produced to fight allergens that enter your body. These antibodies latch on to a type of cells called mast cells that line in the internal lining of your nose, eyes, and lungs, causing instant inflammation. Trapped allergen in the tiny hair of your respiratory tract gets attacked in fluid and mucus—which is the initiation of an allergic reaction.  

Common Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of allergies aren’t the same for everyone. They can differ from person to person. Here are some allergy symptoms that commonly appear in people.

• Coughing
• Sneezing and wheezing
• Runny nose and a copious amount of mucus production
• Itchy nose, mouth, and eyes
• Watery eyes that are turning red

Allergies can become more severe with time, especially when left untreated. You might experience elevated symptoms that can quickly become life-threatening, leading to conditions like anaphylaxis. Factors that indicate you need emergency treatment are:

• Rash, hives, redness, and itching on the skin
• Swollen and itchy tongue and lips
• Vomiting, painful cramps in the stomach, and diarrhea
• Tightness and pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath
• Feeling faint and dizzy
• Losing consciousness
• Nasal congestion, sweating, watery eyes, and migraine

Causes Of Allergies

Allergies aren’t caused by one thing. There are multitudes of factors that can trigger an allergic reaction. Most of the time, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact allergen that is causing your allergies. Finding out what’s causing your immune system to react this way is necessary to avoid those allergens and face any life-threatening situations. To figure out which allergen to avoid, you should see a certified allergist and book an online medical consultation. Simple physical exams of your eyes, ears, nose, and lungs can help the allergists to find out the exact cause.  

Our doctors might ask you the following things:

• Your family’s and your health history
• Your home and work environment
• The frequency with which your symptoms appear
• Your daily activities might give you exposure to allergens

Here are some possible allergens that might be causing your allergies.

Pollen Grains

One of the most common allergens is pollen. With the change in seasons arrives the time of the natural process of plant fertilization. Plants, like trees, grass, and even weeds, release an abundance of pollen grains into the air. This is a major stimulant for allergic reactions.
This type of allergy symptoms include swelling of eyes, stuffy nose, constant sneezing and coughing, itchy eyes, nose, ears, etc. If you feel that your symptoms are out of control, it is best to get an online doctor consultation and get a prescription for allergy medicines.

Food Allergies

A lot of children and even adults suffer from food allergies. The body’s response to food allergens can range from a tingling sensation in your mouth to serious symptoms like a swollen tongue, hives, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Food allergies can get very serious if not taken care of. Symptoms can also include abdominal cramps, difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure, and even death! These symptoms appear shortly after a food allergen has been ingested.
Eight food ingredients cause the most food-allergic reactions. They include milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts.
Ensure you are well-informed about any food you’re allergic to so you can avoid it at all costs. Visit an allergist or have an online chat with a doctor to discuss any appearing symptoms.

Dust

Dust is everywhere. You just can’t avoid it. It is also a common allergen that many people are allergic to. If you find yourself sneezing, getting watery eyes, and coughing at home, it might be time for some deep cleaning. Make sure you vacuum regularly, maintain low humidity through a dehumidifier, and wear a mask when you’re dusting. This is the safest way to prevent an allergic reaction.

Pets

Furry animals can bring a lot of joy, but unfortunately, their fur can also trigger allergies. Commonly owned pets like cats and dogs shed their fur regularly – this is called animal dander. The human body’s immune system can have a troubling reaction to animal dander and cause inflammatory responses like red and swollen skin, rash, breathing problems, etc. Visit your allergist to test if your pets are triggering your allergies.

Mold

Damp walls around the house or any water damage can lead to mold and mildew. Mold is a dangerous fungus that causes issues in your respiratory tract because it releases microscopic spores that you can inhale. Asthma patients and people with allergies suffer the most from mold around the house. Mold allergy symptoms include be coughing, dry skin, red and watery eyes.
Recommended Read: Medical Remedies for Asthma

Get Instant Relief From Your Allergies Today!

Allergies can occur at any time, and it is necessary to seek immediate professional help before the symptoms elevate. At TelMDCare, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to visit a doctor.
Our services are easily available online. You can get a virtual doctor’s consultation, where a highly-qualified medical professional will guide you and help you find the best remedies to alleviate your ailments. If you’re suffering from a severe allergic reaction, contact us to get in touch with the best online doctors for consultation and prescription. Reach out to us to get the most affordable medical appointments and consultations in Iowa for only $39!
Our medical services are affordable, and we even offer free follow-up sessions. You will also find our general practitioner online  always available to have an online chat. Learn more about our services and where we are located. Book a doctor’s appointment online today.