What are Allergies?
When your immune system reacts adversely to certain elements, you have allergies. Once exposed to an allergy trigger or allergen, your body releases chemicals known as histamines, and allergy symptoms occur. The most common symptoms include:
- Sore Throat
- Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Nasal Congestion
- Watery Eyes
- Rashes
Although millions of Americans have allergies like weed pollen, tree, and grass, other allergens include animal dander, dust mites, mold, and certain foods (milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts most common).
Do I Have Allergies or a Cold?
Allergies and the cold virus bring similar symptoms, so it can be difficult telling them apart. With allergies, you will more likely experience itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, or wheezing. On the other hand, a cold usually causes fatigue, sore throat, fever, and achy muscles or joints.
Another factor that separates these two is the season in which they run rampant. If symptoms arise in the fall and winter, you most likely have a cold. If you feel ill in spring or summer, it’s probably allergy-related. Also, while colds last about a week, allergies stick around for several weeks or months at a time.
While seasonal allergies and colds look-alike, food allergy symptoms can range from skin irritation, swelling, trouble breathing, bloating, fatigue, headaches, or diarrhea. As such, this type of allergy is more easily recognized. Note: These symptoms can present immediately or overtime, making adequate allergy testing an essential part of uncovering the source.
What is Allergy Testing?
If you or your physician suspects allergies, you could get tested to discover the triggers. The most common allergy test involves exposing the skin to common allergens to see its reaction. Depending on your age or other health conditions, a blood test might prove more beneficial and usually work better to diagnose food allergies.
What are Effective Allergy Treatments?
Although many people choose over-the-counter treatments like antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, and decongestants, these tackle allergy symptoms without looking at the underlying cause. Also, many prescription and OTC drugs cause an array of negative side-effects, including:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Moodiness
- Confusion
- Blurred Vision
- Dry Mouth
More nuanced approaches to allergies involve exposing the body to controlled doses of the allergen to help you build up immunity to it. Either through injections or liquid drops under the tongue, this immuno-therapy has proven successful for many long-term allergy sufferers and, when administered safely, has few harmful side-effects.
While environmental triggers aren’t easily avoided, with food allergies, the easiest treatment is staying away from certain foods. With this approach, reading labels and making sure you know what’s in your food is essential to avoid an allergic reaction.
For all your health and chiropractic needs, contact Revive Medical Center in Lawrenceville, GA, today!
