The sun is shining, birds are singing, flowers are blooming and you’re itching and sneezing and miserable. The itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and congestion can dampen anyone’s spirits on even the most beautiful day.
The beautiful blooms of spring bring joy to many people but total misery to others. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that an estimated 50 million Americans have allergies.
Doctors are not totally sure why only some people have allergies or what causes their development. Researchers do know that family history and environment do play a part.
Anyone can develop an allergy, but chances are that if one of your parents had an allergy to something then you will, too. If both of your parents have allergies, then your chances of developing on are even greater. However, it may or may not be to the same allergen and the severity of the symptoms may be different as well.
Environment also can play a big role in the development of allergies. In general, repetitive exposure to an allergen makes you more likely to develop an allergy to it, but this also depends on the intensity of the allergen and the age of exposure. Other things such as smoking, pollution, infection and hormones also can influence the likelihood of developing an allergy.
In general, an allergic reaction happens when the body has an exaggerated response to a substance that usually is harmless. When the allergen enters your body, the immune system overreacts and releases chemicals called histamines. Histamines can cause the itching, swelling, runny nose and coughing that you associate with an allergic reaction. People can be allergic to a number of things such as pollen, mold, dust, food, drugs and pets, just to name a few. An allergic reaction can range from mild to severe.
Types of Allergic Reactions
Mild allergic reactions – Symptoms affect one area of the body and do not spread. Symptoms may include rash; itchy, watery eyes; and some congestion.
Moderate allergic reactions – Symptoms spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms can include itchiness and difficulty breathing.
Severe allergic reactions – A rare but life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis, which is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms that progress within minutes. Symptoms can include itching of the eyes or face, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, mental confusion, dizziness and swelling that can make breathing difficult.
Allergy Symptoms
The following are just a few allergy symptoms you could experience.
- Breathing problems
- Burning, tearing or itchy eyes
- Conjunctivitis (red, swollen eyes)
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hives
- Itching of the nose, mouth, throat, skin or any other area
- Runny nose
- Skin rashes
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
If you think that you are suffering from allergies, then make an appointment to see your doctor. If you need a doctor, visit Find a Doctor. He can perform allergy tests and prescribe medications to help you deal with your symptoms. If you have allergies, then there are things that you can do to help yourself.
Allergy Actions to Do
- Close the windows in your home and car. If you need to cool down, then use the air conditioning.
- Put pillows, box springs and mattresses in cases to keep dust mites out. All bedding material and washable stuffed animals should be washed regularly on the hottest setting that the materials can handle.
- Use the clothes dryer because dust mites can’t handle the heat.
- The kitchen, bathroom, basement and attic should be kept clean and dry.
- For toys that can’t be washed, put them in the freezer every two weeks for 48 hours. This will kill any dust mites that might have been on them.
Allergy Actions to Avoid
Take more than the prescribed dose of allergy medication to lessen the symptoms.
- Mow the lawn, because it stirs up pollen and mold.
- Rake leaves because that also stirs up mold.
- Hang sheets and clothing outside to dry because pollen and mold can collect in them.
- Grow too many or over water any indoor plants, because this can lead to mold growth.
- Talk to your doctor if you think you may have allergies. Although some over-the-counter allergy medications such as Benadryl, Zyrtec or Claritin may help, you may need a long-term solution. Some long-term medications a doctor may give you could include Flonase, Allegra and Nasonex.
Talk with your doctor about finding allergy relief. If you do not have a doctor and would like help finding one, UT Medical Center’s Healthcare Coordination can help. They will talk to you about what insurance you have, what type of doctor you need and what days are most convenient for you. Call them today at 865-305-6970 to make an appointment.
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