What Kind of Allergy is Causing Your Suffering?
It’s common to hear someone sniffle, sneeze, and mutter, “Ugh, allergies,” but the term allergy is actually a broad umbrella term. It isn’t just seasonal allergies, but a number of ways the body may be rejecting outside elements. Taking an antihistamine might provide temporary relief, but the only way to permanently resolve your allergy symptoms is to determine the root causing your suffering and seek professional help from an allergy specialist.
Food Allergies
About 5 percent of the population suffers from a legitimate food allergy, while others are simply sensitive to certain foods. A true food allergy can develop at any age when the body’s immune system overreacts and identifies an otherwise safe food as a danger and stimulates a response to fight the “dangerous” food away.
It is most common for eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy to cause food allergies. When people with food allergies eat a food that their body cannot tolerate, the results can range from minor hives to very serious wheezing, swelling of the tongue, dizziness, and even impaired breathing.
Pet Allergies
Pets may be cute, but their allergens cause nasal congestion, chest tightness, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, and even hives. Pets produce many different allergens that people respond to negatively, and these allergens can be present anywhere from a pet’s urine, fur, dander, and saliva. Some people only need high-efficiency air filters to make being around pets bearable, while others can’t even come near a cat or dog.
Typical “Allergies”
The term “allergies” is most commonly used when referring to hay fever, the seasonal or perennial reaction to airborne pollens, mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens floating around. These allergies can occur indoors or outdoors, may be triggered by high pollen periods, and usually result in the typical itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.
It isn’t always easy to determine the specific cause of your allergies since the symptoms often look and feel the same, so call (813) 670-7062 to make an appointment at Kratz Allergy & Asthma in Odessa or Port Richey, Florida. Dr. Kratz specializes in adult and pediatric allergy and immunology, so he can use specific tests and evaluations to identify your specific allergies and help you finally achieve relief.