If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies, you probably understand the misery of living with headaches, watery, itchy eyes, and a constant feeling like you’re moving through life in a haze.
But in addition to consulting with an experienced ear/nose/throat (ENT) doctor, what may also help you cope is understanding the most common types of allergies and what triggers them.
Allergies That Everyone Should Know
Although there are many types of allergies, the ones that are most common include:
- Pet Allergies – Cats and dogs produce allergens on their skin that can cause allergic reactions that include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and even skin rashes. If you notice that exposure to pets like dogs and cats triggers these symptoms, you must avoid being around the animals, or take nasal sprays and anti-histamines to lessen your reaction.
- Dust Allergies – Dust mites are tiny insects that thrive in humidity and warmth, and they are found on upholstery, mattresses and pillows. When they are disturbed, they float into the air and can trigger allergic reactions that include sneezing, irritated eyes and wheezing. You can limit your exposure to dust mites by lowering the humidity level where you live, and frequently washing your linens in hot water.
- Food Allergies – Common foods that can trigger allergies include eggs, milk, nuts, fish, and soy. These allergies occur when someone eats a certain food and has symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, and dizziness. In some instances, a severe allergic reaction to food can create anaphylaxis, which impairs breathing and can be life-threatening. You can treat this allergy by not eating the food that causes the adverse reaction.
- Eye Allergies – Eye allergies occur when your immune system has a bad reaction to something in the air, which can include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, cigarette smoke and even diesel exhaust. When the allergy is triggered, you may experience redness in your eyes, burning, itching and even a discharge. Minimize eye allergies by keeping doors and windows closed, and wearing protective lenses when you go outdoors.
- Drug Allergies – If you develop a rash, your skin itches or your throat swells after taking a certain medication, you may have a drug allergy. Common medications that can trigger an allergy include antibiotics and aspirin. Once you learn which drug causes the allergy, ask your doctor to prescribe a different drug.
Finding Relief During Allergy Season
Allergies can negatively affect how you live your life, and some allergies will grow worse unless you take steps to determine ways to make them less severe. The team at Dr. Light E.N.T has the resources and the expertise to provide you with a diagnosis about the best way to treat your chronic allergies. Please call us today at 561-737-8584 to schedule a consultation with one of our allergists so that we can help improve your overall health and well-being.