It's not uncommon for people to suffer from allergies. Many people have at least one mild allergy, although some people are allergic to multiple substances. If you think you have an allergy, you should get as much information as possible about allergies and possible treatments. Here are four things you should know about allergies:
1. Allergies can develop at any time.
Allergies can develop at any point in your life. Even if you weren't allergic to something in the past, you may be allergic to it now. Allergies occur when your body's immune system incorrectly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. In order to protect you, your body releases histamine, which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These symptoms can include hives, itching, a runny nose, and watering eyes.
2. It's possible to "outgrow" allergies.
Some people outgrow allergies, especially allergies they had as children. Over time, your body may stop reacting to certain substances. However, it's still best to leave the treatment of your allergies to a professional, since intentionally exposing yourself to substances that cause an allergic reaction could be dangerous.
3. The only way to know about all your allergies is to get tested.
If you suffer from allergies, pinpointing the exact cause of your suffering can be difficult. Many people eventually form educated guesses about which substances give them trouble based on trial and error, but the only way to know your allergies for sure is to get tested. An ENT specialist can help you by administering an allergy test. They will introduce a small amount of various different allergens into your system by using a scratch test. Once your skin has had the opportunity to react, your doctor will read the results and give you a comprehensive list of all your allergies.
4. The right medication can help you manage your allergy symptoms.
Once you know what you're allergic to, your doctor can help you come up with a treatment plan. The good news is that you don't have to suffer due to your allergies. Your doctor may want to put you on medication to manage your daily allergy symptoms; this method is typically utilized for people who have environmental allergies that are difficult or impossible to avoid. Your doctor will likely tell you to minimize your exposure to various allergens as much as possible. People with food allergies should avoid eating things that trigger those allergies. If your allergies are severe and unable to manage using oral medication, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, to reduce your body's reactivity to allergens.
For more information, visit a local clinic like Mid America Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic PC.
Share29 January 2020
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