Allergy

Whenever your body contacts harmful substances like allergens, it tries to combat them either by increasing body temperature or affecting the eyes, sinuses, or digestive system. Studies reveal that allergies are the main cause of health issues in children in the U.S. About 50 million Americans experience various allergies every year.

You can start experiencing symptoms a few minutes or hours after the contact with the allergen. The symptoms can range from minor to life-threatening, that’s why identifying the allergies and their treatment at the right time is important for the patient.

In this guide, we will tell you about the warning signs of allergies you should look for and when to consult your doctor.

Warning signs of allergies

Pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or particular eatables are some of the common causes of allergies.

Our bodies react differently whenever they come in contact with them. Some people may remain unaffected while some can experience extreme allergic response( anaphylaxis)

Common signs and symptoms of allergies include:

• Itchy or runny nose, sneezing
• Tingling sensation in the mouth
• Rashes or eczema
• Swollen eyes, lips, or tongue
• Skin conditions like darkening or reddening
• Difficulty in breathing
• Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness or unconsciousness
• Headaches
• Blue skin or lips

Causes of allergies

People can be allergic to a variety of substances. One of the most common allergens in the world is pollen. About 20 to 40 million people in the U.S suffer from Hay fever ( allergic rhinitis) caused by grass pollen. This causes cough, fatigue, or inflammation in the nose, throat, and protective tissues of the eyes.

Tiny organisms like dust mites hiding in your bed sheets and mattresses can also induce allergic reactions in some people.

Some are also allergic to molds, pet hair, insect stings, or even certain foods. These people should always make sure to keep their prescribed medicines near them all the time for emergency situations.

While we’ve mentioned the most common symptoms and allergies, this is not an exhaustive list. OnPointe Care uses scientific methods to diagnose your allergies and the medical professionals will help you manage them effectively.

When should you consult your doctor?

It’s rightly said that prevention is always better than cure. If you find out anything that triggers allergic reactions in your body, try your best to stay away from it. However, despite taking preventive measures, if you face any allergic reaction with symptoms like unconsciousness, dizziness, vomiting or breathlessness then make sure to consult your doctor.

Note that if the allergies are left untreated they can become acute with time, posing critical complications. If you’re around Bartlett or Cordova, you can visit OnPointe Care locations for thorough checkups and wellness physicals that will help diagnose your allergies.

Knowing your allergies allows you to manage and contain them with the help of medical professionals that have decades of experience in the field. An allergy free life allows you to make the most of those little moments without leading a life of compromise.

Takeaway

Allergies can’t be cured but their symptoms can be suppressed and the immunity of the body against allergens can be increased using medications.

For allergic patients, epinephrine is a life-saving drug as it reduces the allergic response of our body. Doctors usually prescribe some antihistamines to the patients to boost their immunity and reduce inflammation of air passageways to improve breathing.

Allergies can either have a little to no effect on your body or can prove fatal in some cases depending on how serious your allergy is. If you or someone in your family suffers from any allergy make sure to refer to your doctor to prevent forthcoming intricacies.