WHAT ARE ALLERGENS?
Our immune system protects us from invading organisms that can cause illness. Allergic reactions begin in the immune system. If you have an allergy, your immune system is mistaking an otherwise harmless substance as an intruder. This harmless substance is called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing immunologic antibodies that release histamines and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.
To treat your allergies and help you feel better, we must determine which allergens are causing you issues. The main types of allergens are environmental, food, insect and drug, and several allergens that do not fall into one of these categories. Pulmonary Associates of Richmond Allergy Center can help determine which allergens are causing your issues and help you avoid and treat them.
ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGENS
Environmental Allergies are an immune response to something in your surroundings that’s usually harmless. Environmental allergens exist in our everyday surroundings, including home, work, and nature. The common immune system response is referred to as hay fever. Often, environmental allergens are seasonal, causing symptoms to be worse at certain times of the year when the allergen is present in the environment.
COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGEN SYMPTOMS
Symptoms vary but can include:
COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGENS
Some examples of allergens are:
INSECT ALLERGENS
Warm weather brings many insects especially stinging and biting insects. Insect Allergies can be life-threatening and produce signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Without immediate treatment, anaphylaxis may cause death.
COMMON INSECT ALLERGEN SYMPTOMS
COMMON INSECT ALLERGENS
FOOD ALLERGENS
Food Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins in food, causing reactions that vary in severity from mild symptoms involving hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms and anaphylaxis. Eighty-five million Americans are impacted by food allergies and intolerances, including 32 million who have a potentially life-threatening condition.
COMMON FOOD ALLERGEN SYMPTOMS
COMMON FOOD ALLERGENS
More than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions. The most common food allergens include:
DRUG ALLERGENS
A drug allergy is the abnormal reaction of your immune system to a medication. Any medication — over-the-counter, prescription or herbal — is capable of inducing a drug allergy. However, a drug allergy is more likely with certain medications.
COMMON DRUG ALLERGEN SYMPTOMS
COMMON DRUG ALLERGENS
OTHER COMMON ALLERGENS
SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION- ANAPHYLAXIS
Some types of allergies, including allergies to foods and insect stings, can trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Pulmonary Associates of Richmond Allergy Center recommends you see an allergist if you have symptoms you think are caused by an allergy, and over-the-counter allergy medications don’t provide enough relief. Even if you don’t think your allergies are severe, if they are constantly nagging and you can’t find relief, a specialist can help you get the relief you desire.
If you’ve had a severe allergy attack or any signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis in the past, make an appointment to see Pulmonary Associates of Richmond Allergy Center today. Evaluation, diagnosis and long-term management of anaphylaxis are complicated, so you need a doctor specializing in allergies and immunology.