How do I Identify Allergy Symptoms?
An allergy is your body’s overreaction to a substance that doesn’t normally cause a problem for other people. This hypersensitivity often results in an allergic reaction – the body’s way of fending off normally harmless things. Over 50 million people in the United States experience allergic symptoms on a fairly regular basis. Allergic reactions occur when the body develops sensitivity to an outside substance, or allergen. Allergic reactions can happen when an allergen is swallowed, inhaled, injected or touched. Most allergic reactions are caused by:
- Animal dander, dust mites
- Insect stings or bites
- Plants, especially pollens
- Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish
- Medications
Allergy symptoms tend to be universal. Allergy symptoms can include, but are not limited to, nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, coughing, breathing problems, skin rashes, nausea, headaches and watery, itchy eyes. Not all allergy symptoms are present in all allergic individuals, but it’s important to note which allergy symptoms you have and when, so that your allergic symptoms can be accurately attributed to the allergen that’s causing them.
On rare occasions, your allergy symptoms may be symptomatic of anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction. If you’re exhibiting allergy symptoms indicative of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical attention.
For relief of your allergy symptoms, come see Board Certified asthma and allergy specialist, Dr. Atul Shah at The Center for Asthma & Allergy in Shirley, New York. We have proudly served Suffolk County for over a decade and always welcome new patients. We also conduct Food OIT for food allergies in our brand new Centereach office. Please contact Dr. Shah’s office at 631-395-5464 or 631-446-1436 for a consultation to discuss all of your allergy symptoms with our world class allergy & asthma specialist.
