There are as many as one in five Americans who suffer from allergies every day. Allergies come in several different forms and effect everyone to different degrees. Some people have extremely severe reactions and require emergency care like an EpiPen as soon as they are exposed. Others have a mild reaction that can be treated using medication such as Benadryl to get them through the allergic reaction. Want to know more about the types of allergies and how they are treated? This guide goes over all that – and more:
Food
- Symptoms: Wheezing, Hives, Swollen tongue, vomiting, dizzy, and more
- Treatment: Avoidance of foods that cause reactions
Food allergies are caused when the body's natural defenses overreact to a particular type of food – such as nuts – and treats the food as an invader. The defenses will send chemicals throughout the body to try to fight the invader which causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies can be really severe and cause swelling of the throat and difficulty to breathe. Even using dishes that touched the food can cause a reaction.
Skin
- Symptoms: Dry, irritated skin, blisters, redness
- Treatment: Prescription medication, ointments geared toward skin issues
Skin allergies are very common. The reactions cause the skin to get bumps, itching, and redness. Eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis are all examples of skin allergic reactions. Skin allergies can be caused by soaps,
Insect Stings
- Symptoms: Pain, hives, itching, swelling
- Treatment: Avoid insects, EpiPen, allergy shots
There are five different insects that can cause allergic reactions from their stings: honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Most people have only a mild reaction to the stings, but others may need an EpiPen if they start to wheeze or have trouble breathing.
Pets
- Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes, skin rash
- Treatments: Avoid the animals that cause the reaction, allergy shots
Pet allergies are very common, especially cat or dog allergies. The allergy is caused by the allergens found in the animal's fur, skin, or saliva. Unfortunately, if you are allergic to your pet you will have to limit your exposure to them or consider treatments like allergy shots.
Drugs
- Symptoms: Skin rash, itching, wheezing, swelling, vomiting, dizzy
- Treatment: Avoid medication that triggers reaction, antihistamines, emergency care if necessary
Certain medications can cause allergic reactions. It works the same way as the food allergy – the body thinks it's defending itself against something harmful. If you are taking a medication and develop hives, difficulty breathing, or a rash, this is a sign of a reaction. Stop taking the medication immediately and contact your physician.
Latex
- Symptoms: Hives, itching, stuffy nose, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, skin reactions like swelling or redness
- Treatment: Avoid latex products, alert medical staff of allergy, EpiPen
Exposure to latex products, like gloves, may cause a serious allergic reaction in some people. Many hospitals will now have signs that say "Latex Free" because of the risk of exposure to people who suffer from this allergy. Latex allergies can develop at any time in your life. The people who are at the biggest risk are people who work in hospitals, those who have had multiple surgeries, or anyone exposed to natural rubber latex on a daily basis.
Considerations
Since allergies can develop at any time, it is wise to be aware of the symptoms and how to treat them. If you ever think you are having an allergic reaction to something, please seek medical attention immediately. Tell the doctor what you think triggered the reaction and how long ago the exposure was. They will begin the proper treatment and give you the relevant follow-up plan for living with that type of allergy.
Contact a medical office like Mid America Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic PC for more information and assistance.
