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Whenever we say allergy, some tend to think that it’s connected to food. The first thing that comes to mind is its ability to close your throat airways or cause rashes throughout the body. However, this is not the only type of allergy you can experience. You might be surprised to know that allergies come in various forms. Read on to know which one you might be experiencing.
Food Allergy
As mentioned above, when your immune system reacts to the food you eat, then you might have a food allergy. Believe it or not, approximately 6–8% of children and 4% of adults suffer from this type of allergic reaction. People with food allergy develop antibodies against various allergens in food protein.
Individuals with a food allergy may experience symptoms when they consume even a small amount of the food to which they are allergic. These symptoms may appear immediately after eating, or it can take up to two hours. Take note that some babies experience delayed allergic reactions to milk.
Symptoms usually involve swelling of the face, mouth, lips, and throat. More signs include itching, hives, and nasal congestion. The most severe food allergic reaction, however, is what we call anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening allergic reaction involving the whole body that might cause an instant drop in the blood pressure, impair your breathing, or negatively affect your heart rate. This kind of reaction is fatal, so it must be treated with an epinephrine injection.
Skin Allergy
Skin allergies are divided into two main types of rashes, namely eczema or urticaria. Let us explore these two.
Eczema
Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, affects around 10–20% of children and 2–4% percent of adults. Common symptoms of this skin allergy include dry, irritated, red, and itchy skin. If you are experiencing a skin infection, then you might have fluid-filled small bumps that ooze either a yellowish or clear liquid.
Keep in mind that individuals who have eczema may come from a family with a history of the disease.
Urticaria
Urticaria, also called hives, is often characterized as a red and itchy bumpy rash. It is usually short-lived, typically lasting no more than 24 hours. However, it can be a nuisance since it can appear anywhere in your body in various shapes and sizes. There are even instances where large swellings appear on the tongue, hand, eyelids, and lips.
Allergic Rhinitis
You might notice individuals who can’t hide their runny noses or control their sneezes. Some might think that they are nursing the flu; however, this is not the case for several of them.
Allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever. It refers to an allergic response that comes with symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal blockage and congestion, and sneezing. It develops whenever a person’s immune system overreacts to a particular thing or allergen in the environment, which does not usually trouble other people. Examples of allergens include house dust mites, molds, dogs, cats, and pollen.
One disadvantage of experiencing allergic rhinitis is its ability to disrupt your daily routine. It reduces school and work performance, lowers productivity, and impairs sleep. Basically, it’s a nuisance. It might also progress to other problems on adjacent structures like the throat, sinus, bronchial tubes, and middle ear, if not treated accordingly.
Asthma
Allergic asthma refers to a condition that leads to inflammation and swelling inside the airways of the lungs. The more intense the inflammation is, the harder it is to breathe. These breathing problems are usually caused by inhaling allergens such as pollen, tobacco smoke, pet dander, air pollution, dust mites, and strong odors.
Treatment for Allergic Reactions in Illinois
If you are experiencing any of these allergic reactions, then it might be time to consult the best allergists in town. We, at Oak Brook Allergists, will help you find the best method of treatment that will address your allergic concerns. This will ensure that you will experience a healthy, active, and productive life ahead of you.
To schedule an appointment, you may drop by any of our offices at Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Naperville, or Plainfield, Illinois. You can also call us at (630) 574-0460.
