Common Allergies and Their Symptoms

What are the most common allergens?

You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don't cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. Your body's overreaction to the allergens is what causes symptoms (see the box below for a list of symptoms). For example, sometimes the term "hay fever" is used to describe your body's allergic reaction to allergens in the air.

What are the most common allergens?

Pollen from trees, grass and weeds:

Mold:

• Mold is found in damp conditions, like your bathroom or basement.
• Most mold allergies are at their peak when weather conditions are humid.

Animal dander:

• Proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. You can be exposed to dander when handling an animal or from house dust that contains dander.

Dust:

• Many allergens, including dust mites, are in dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. They live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust.

What medicines can I take to help relieve my symptoms?

Antihistamines:

• This medication reduces the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. They're more useful if you use them before you're exposed to allergens. 

• Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. 

Decongestants:

•   Phenylephrine help temporarily relieve the stuffy nose of allergies. Decongestants are found in many medicines and come as pills, nose sprays and nose drops. They are best used only for a short time. Nose sprays and drops shouldn't be used for more than 3 days because you can become dependent on them. This causes you to feel even more stopped-up when you try to quit using them.

• With this form of treatment there could be medication interactions, like with people who have high blood pressure.  Please walkin or make an appointwent with our providers if you have concerns.

Nasal Steroids:

• Sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens. This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you feel less stopped-up. They come in nasal sprays that your doctor may prescribe. You won't notice their benefits for up to 2 weeks after starting them.

Steroid Shots:

• Steroid shots are great for relieving many allergy symptoms.  They have been shown very affective to relieve swelling and pressure caused form allergies, hives, and poison ivy allergy skin reactions.

    When taking any of these medications, please consult our providers to check for possible drug interactions or side effects.

    If any of these symptoms are persistent or worsen please walk-in for treatment, make an appointment, or even visit our website for your very own Online Housecall.

Information Source: FamilyDoctor.org

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