What you are allergic to is based on your genetic makeup.Your genetics tell your body how to defend itself and what antibodies to produce. However, the body sometimes confuses a harmless substance with a harmful one. This causes the body to enter the defense process and begins to produce antibodies when none are actually needed. This reaction to something harmless is an allergy and the substance that causes the reaction is called the allergen.
What are some common allergens?
- Food - food allergies typically occur after a food is eaten. Some common food allergies are shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, and peanuts
- Insects - some insects can cause allergic reactions when they bite, sting, or even if they are just nearby. Some common ones are mosquitos, bees, cockroaches, and dust mites
- Inhalants - inhaling certain things like pollen, pet dander, mold, and fungus will cause allergic reactions
- Contact - skin contact with certain items can cause allergic reactions. Some common skin irritants/allergies are latex, soap, plants, jewelry, and cosmetics.
- Medication - most of the time reactions to medication are called “non-allergic” but an immune system reaction to medicine is possible. Although, it is a rare occurrence.
When you are severely allergic to something you may suffer from Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious, rapidly developing allergic reaction that may cause death. It may result in one or more of the following symptoms:
- Itchy rash
- Throat swelling
- Tongue swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
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Symptoms of Allergies
People don’t normally react the same to an allergen but there are common symptoms and reactions. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Itchiness
- Reddened skin
- Mucous membrane irritation and swelling
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Congestion
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting
One group of symptoms fall under the term rhinitis. Rhinitisis the swelling of the mucous membrane that results in other symptoms like, sneezing, runny/itchy nose, itchy/watery eyes, and congestion. The two types of rhinitis are allergic and non-allergic.
Allergic Rhinitis:
Allergic Rhinitis occurs when the body reacts to a specific, non-infectious allergen including:
- Plant pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Animal hair
- Industrial chemicals
- Tobacco smoke
- Foods
- Medicine
- Insect venom
If any of these allergens result in sneezing, runny/itchy nose, itchy/watery eyes, and congestion then you are probably suffering from allergic rhinitis.
Seasonal Allergies and Seasonal Allergic Reactions
- Sensitivity to tree pollen is at its height during late March and early April.
- Hay Fever typically occurs around spring and late summer. Hay is not the main cause of hay fever. Sensitivity to ragweed is the main cause of seasonal allergies.
- Allergic reactions to mold spores may be more common during October and November due to the increase in fallen leaves.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: This sensitivity can last all year and can be caused by pet hair, carpeting, upholstery, and mold.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis: The symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are not due to allergies and the immune system. The symptoms are usually triggered by something in the environment including things like, cigarette smoke, pollutants, strong odors, alcohol, and cold weather. Overuse of decongestants, a deviated septum, and an infection may also cause non-allergic rhinitis.
How are allergies diagnosed and tested?
For people suffering from chronic sinus infections or nasal congestion, allergies can be a primary concern. This has led to the rise in popularity of allergy testing and allergy testing centers. However, some of these allergy testing centers overlook the importance of an examination that is comprehensive and thorough. That is why it is important for allergy sufferers to schedule with an ENT who will thoroughly test, diagnose, and treat allergies.
Your history of symptoms
To diagnose your allergies correctly, your ENT will first need a detailed history of your symptoms.
- First, your ENT will want you to give an account of your symptoms
- Then, your ENT will ask structured questions to determine precise information about your previous allergies. Like, childhood eczema, hay fever, and asthma.
- Additional details will be about the frequency, severity, duration, and seasonal occurrence symptoms. As well as, triggering factors and life threatening events
- Other important clues will be details about the diet and food exclusion trials.
- Family history, home/work/school environment, and current treatments and medications will also provide insight into your allergies.
These details as well as a physical examination will help determine what allergens to test.
Skin Testing
The skin prick test can be used to test up to 40 allergens.Your skin is pricked with a little bit of the substance to see the severity of the reaction. An allergy test alone is not always sufficient in determining your allergies. A comprehensive exam should also be given, and it should include:
- Writing an entire list of symptoms
- A CT scan
- Conducting the test
- Discussing a treatment plan that is right for you
- An allergy testing recommendation
Treating Your Allergies
Your personal treatment plan may differ from others, but some common treatment options are
- Avoiding triggers
- Medication use to control symptoms
- Immunotherapy to help build resistance
The Importance of Having an Allergy Test in an ENT’s Office
As mentioned above, allergy testing is on the rise. Sufferers of sinus conditions are being referred to the testing locations that are popping up all over the country instead of visiting their ENT. These places don’t always do the full examination that is required for thorough allergy testing.
A full examination by an ENT is important because the ENT can rule out other possible reasons for your sinus issues before moving to the allergy test. Until this full exam is performed you will not be able to determine if your issues come from allergies or something else.
UrgENT can provide you with the comprehensive exam and treatment plan that you deserve.