Allergies (Food / Seasonal)

Allergies are a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance, triggering a range of symptoms. The foreign substance, called an allergen, binds to receptors on certain cells, prompting the immune system to release chemicals, like histamines, which cause the allergic response. It’s important to note that the allergy itself isn't caused by the allergen, but by your body’s reaction to it (American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology).

Allergies can be triggered by a wide variety of factors. Different people may have different sensitivities to allergens, and the exact cause of an allergy varies from person to person. Common allergens include:

• Pollen: A major trigger for seasonal allergies such as hay fever. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), pollen allergies affect nearly 30% of people in the U.S. (AAAAI).

• Food: Foods like peanuts, shellfish, eggs, and dairy are known to cause allergic reactions. The prevalence of food allergies is increasing globally, and research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that food allergies affect approximately 5% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S. (NIH).

• Insect Stings: Stings from bees or wasps can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3 million Americans are allergic to insect stings (CDC).

• Medications: Some people may have allergic reactions to drugs like penicillin or other antibiotics. Medication allergies account for a significant number of adverse drug reactions each year (National Library of Medicine).

• Latex: Latex allergies are common, especially for people who come into frequent contact with rubber products. The American Latex Allergy Association reports that 10% of health care workers have latex allergies (ALAA).

• Animal Dander: Proteins from pet skin cells, saliva, and urine can cause allergies in sensitive individuals. Studies by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences indicate that pet allergies affect roughly 10% of the U.S. population (NIEHS).

• Mold and Dust Mites: These common indoor allergens can cause symptoms year-round. According to the American Lung Association, approximately 10% of people are allergic to dust mites (American Lung Association).

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At Hazba Medical Center, we help patients identify their specific allergens through advanced allergy testing, allowing for a personalized treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

The symptoms of allergies can vary widely depending on the type of allergen and the severity of the reaction. Common allergy symptoms include:

• Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

  • Nasal congestion

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Coughing or wheezing

  • Skin rash or hives

• Severe Allergic Reactions:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)

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At Hazba Medical Center, our allergy specialists can help determine the cause of your symptoms and create an effective treatment plan to alleviate them.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing allergies. These include:

• Family History: If one or both parents have allergies, there’s an increased risk of developing allergies. According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI), genetics play a significant role in allergic diseases (JACI).

• Age: While allergies can develop at any age, they often start in childhood or adolescence. Research in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has shown that allergies are most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of 10 (BMJ).

• Sex: Men are more likely to develop allergies in childhood, while women are more prone to develop them in adulthood. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK notes that adult women are at higher risk for allergic rhinitis and asthma compared to men (NHS).

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to allergens in early childhood may influence the development of allergies later in life. According to the World Allergy Organization, environmental pollutants and allergens are strongly linked to the onset of allergic diseases (WAO).

There are several methods for diagnosing allergies, including skin tests, blood tests, and elimination diets:

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1. Skin Tests: Involves placing small amounts of common allergens on the skin. If you are allergic to a substance, a small raised bump will appear where the allergen was applied. This is a quick and reliable way to test for many allergies.

2. Blood Tests: Blood samples are taken to measure the levels of allergy-related antibodies (IgE). This test can be used to detect sensitivities to allergens when skin testing is not possible. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), blood tests can detect allergic reactions to over 150 different allergens (ACAAI).

3. Elimination Diets: This method is commonly used for food allergies. It involves removing suspected food allergens from your diet for a period of time and then reintroducing them one at a time to observe if symptoms occur.

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At Hazba Medical Center, our experienced allergists use these diagnostic tools to identify your specific allergies and determine the best course of treatment.

Once your allergies have been diagnosed, your doctor may recommend various treatments to help manage symptoms:

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• Antihistamines: These medications block the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction. According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms (Mayo Clinic).

• Decongestants: Help relieve nasal congestion and pressure.

• Steroid Nasal Sprays: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reports that nasal steroids can effectively reduce inflammation in allergy sufferers (NIAID).

• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or oral treatments that help desensitize the immune system to specific allergens over time. Immunotherapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating certain allergic conditions like pollen and dust mite allergies (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology).

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In some cases, avoiding exposure to allergens may be the best form of treatment. Your doctor at Hazba Medical Center will provide specific recommendations to help you manage your allergy symptoms and improve your quality of life.

While allergies can’t always be avoided, you can take steps to minimize exposure to known allergens:

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• Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from entering your home.

• Use air purifiers in your home to filter out dust, pollen, and pet dander.

• Regularly clean your home, especially carpets and upholstery, to remove dust mites and mold.

• Avoid certain foods if you have food allergies, and be cautious when eating out or traveling.

• Wear a mask if you’re allergic to pollen or mold while doing outdoor activities like gardening.

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At Hazba Medical Center, we offer guidance on managing environmental and lifestyle factors that can help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions.

If allergies are left untreated, they can lead to more serious health complications. The most severe risk is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause the airways to swell and obstruct breathing. Immediate treatment with an adrenaline (epinephrine) injection is required to reverse anaphylaxis.

According to The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, timely treatment with epinephrine is critical to saving lives during anaphylactic reactions (JACI).

Chronic untreated allergies can also contribute to other health issues such as:

• Sinus infections

• Asthma flare-ups

• Chronic fatigue

• Sleep disturbances

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It is crucial to seek timely medical attention for your allergies to avoid these complications. Hazba Medical Center is here to help you get the care you need.

Allergies are a condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching