An allergy is the immune system’s abnormal reaction to any foreign substance called allergen that is otherwise harmless and that won’t bother most people. When your body overreacts to an allergen, your immune system will produce antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This IgE response will identify the allergen as harmful and will release chemicals that will trigger an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be as mild and non-fatal like a skin rash. On the other hand, it can be extremely severe and potentially life-threatening like having an anaphylactic shock.
Types of Allergy
There are two basic types of allergy: perennial allergy and seasonal allergy. Both types of allergic reactions can lead to allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic conjunctivitis.
Perennial Allergies
Perennial allergies may occur year-round, regardless of season. It can be triggered by mold, dust mites, pet dander, or any airborne substances that are present in your surroundings.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies occur during certain seasons of the year. This is usually due to exposure to pollens, grasses, and trees. It is a good idea to stay indoors. If you have to go out, watch out for high pollen counts during spring, summer, or fall. However, it is also true that allergic reactions can still happen even if pollen count is low.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergy can be classified as:
- Food Allergy: abnormal immune response to a particular protein found in that food. The top eight food allergens are cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
- Pet Allergy: abnormal immune response to allergens produced by pets. It can be pet dander from animals with fur or feathers. It can also be pet allergens from hair, skin, saliva, and urine.
- Insect Allergy: abnormal immune response to insect stings and bug bites. The most common insects that can cause allergic reactions are bees, fire ants, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps.
- Drug Allergy: abnormal immune response to the medication itself or to the properties of the drugs. Common drug allergens include antibiotics, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory, chemotherapy drugs and anti-aonvulsants.
- Latex Allergy: abnormal immune response to natural rubber derived from the milky latex of the Brazilian rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Balloons, bandages, condoms, diaphragms, gloves, and rubber bands contain latex.
- Mold Allergy: abnormal immune response to the mold spores or other fungi. Molds can be found everywhere. It can be present in stuffed animals or damp carpets, even inside air conditioners and refrigerators. They can be visible to the naked eye or only visible under a microscope.
Symptoms of Allergy
Allergies and asthma exhibit the same symptoms. Mild allergic symptoms include itchy or watery eyes and/or a stuffed, itchy, or runny nose. It is not fatal, but it can definitely be annoying especially if you always have to deal with it frequently.
Other common allergic reactions are wheezing or coughs, vomiting and nausea, dry or irritated skin, stomach pains, and even having swollen facial features. During an allergic reaction, nasal sprays can provide temporary relief.
However, there are people with severe allergic manifestations such as difficulty breathing, abnormal face swelling, and blue lips or skin. It may or not be accompanied by light-headedness, confusion, and even unconsciousness. It is important to head straight to the nearest hospital when these allergy symptoms occur.
The most serious allergic response is anaphylaxis. Common culprits of anaphylaxis are certain medications and food items as well as hypersensitivity to latex and insect stings. There are serious side effects to exposure to certain allergens. These include hives, breathing difficulty, swelling, low blood pressure, erratic heart rate, and/or loss of consciousness.
Anaphylaxis can be an acute, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires a trip to a hospital emergency room right away. If a person is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, a prompt injection of epinephrine must be administered immediately. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term health complications or even death.
Epinephrine allergy shots can reverse the symptoms, at least temporarily, within minutes. Do not delay seeking emergency medical help, though. Even if you have already administered epinephrine, it is crucial to call 911 and take the patient to the nearest emergency facility at the first sign of anaphylaxis.
Allergies: Inherited or Acquired?
Inherited allergies are genetically intrinsic to the body regardless of exposure to various environmental risk factors. Acquired allergies develop no matter how old a person is. It can be triggered by an allergic episode when you were younger. It can also result from a weakened immune system as you get older.
There are individuals whose families are more vulnerable to developing allergies. It means that based on their genetic makeup, they may be of higher risk of having frequent allergic reactions.
On the other hand, it is also possible to suddenly develop adult-onset allergies. These can be caused by new allergens in the environment or changes in your immune system. It is also possible that you may be allergic to a particular substance all along, but you are simply never around it until now.
Types of Tests to Diagnose Allergies
Skin prick test or scratch test is done by pricking the outermost layer of the skin then putting a tiny amount of allergen on top of it. If the skin turns red and swells up, you are allergic to that substance.
Allergen skin testing can identify many common allergic reactions. It is also the fastest way to diagnose an allergy. Results can turn up in as early as fifteen minutes.
Allergy blood tests, on the other hand, is the process of adding allergens to your blood sample. It will detect and measure the number of antibodies that will be produced after coming in contact with an allergy trigger.
Allergy blood tests are an alternative way to diagnose an allergy. First, this is for individuals with more serious skin conditions. Second, this is for those who are currently under medication that may interfere with the results of a normal skin test. Third, it is an option for children who might not be able to tolerate an allergy skin test. The doctor will take your blood sample and bring it back to the laboratory.
Statcare Walk-In Clinic offers allergy blood testing covered by most major health insurance providers. You can also request here flu shots and other vaccinations, STD Testing, PPD TB Test, and urgent care services. We also administer Immigration Medical Exam and COVID-19 Testing.
You will always get fast, reliable service from our healthcare professionals at our eight NYC walk-in clinics. Talk to a board-certified doctor right away! No appointment is necessary, but you can also call ahead at (917) 310-3371 to know you’re on your way. Alternatively, you can book an appointment for an online doctor if you want to schedule for a telehealth visit instead.
