Every year approximately 36 million people in the United States visit their doctor for allergy-related problems. For some people, they can be even more severe than that. It’s essential to take precautions for those who have a severe allergy because an allergic reaction could cause problems such as sneezing or rashes. There are many types of medications that you can take to help fight this allergen, such as antihistamines which will reduce inflammation and swelling during an allergic reaction. You can also visit a Bastrop asthma & allergies specialist for treatment and guidance on managing your allergies. Here are some of the most common allergies.
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Pollen
Pollen is a dust-like substance that’s released from the flowers and trees. When pollen gets into your nose, it causes an allergic reaction such as sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes/ runny nose, and mucous overflow. If you have a pollen allergy, you will likely suffer from symptoms during certain seasons or year-round, depending on what type of plant it is.
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Dander
Did you know that dander comes from human skin? Dander is the tiny flakes that fall off your body and are mainly composed of dead cells. These particles can be found in your hair, clothing, furniture, and pet fur. Chances are, if you’re allergic to pets, you might also be allergic to dander because it’s like an animal’s dandruff that is constantly shedding. Of course, there are ways to treat your allergies by taking medication or visiting professionals for allergy shots. Still, it will prevent the effects of your allergies altogether if you do not own a pet. If you have a pet allergy, it’s best to see an allergist.
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Food Allergy
On the other hand, food allergies can be more severe than itchy eyes and sneezing. A food allergy is when your immune system reacts to ingested food that would typically not be harmful. The most common food allergies are peanuts, dairy products, tree nuts, shellfish, and fish. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, hives, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening reaction. If you think you might have a food allergy, see your doctor immediately so they can conduct further testing to find out what type of allergic reaction you are dealing with.
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Animal Allergies
Although not as common, some people suffer from an allergy to animals like cats and dogs. Like a food allergy, the symptoms may vary depending on how sensitive your immune system is. The symptoms can range anywhere from sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin rashes; you might even have difficulty breathing if you’re severely allergic.
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Drug Allergies
While it is not widespread, some people are allergic to certain drugs. There are many different medications on the market that you can take for various things, such as antibiotics or pain killers. However, some cases result in an adverse reaction when these medicines are taken. The most common type of drug allergy is penicillin. However, if you have a penicillin allergy, there are other types of antibiotics you can take and see an allergist about getting shots for your allergies.
In summary, millions of Americans deal with different types of allergies. Some of the most common allergies include food allergies, pollen, and dander. However, some people also have drug and animal allergies.
