5 Questions About Allergies To Ask Your Allergist
Allergies can be troublesome and confusing, especially if you can’t figure out how to control it. This can lead to a lot of questions and these can be brought forward to your allergy physician and hopefully you can get answers to them.
How Are Allergies Triggered?
This is probably the most important question of them all. You need to be aware of the things that cause allergic reactions. Allergies are caused by triggers which are called allergens. These triggering substances can go into your body via your nose, mouth, eyes and ears and can cause allergies and breathing problems.
Now, the question may arise: what are these allergens? Well, the most common types of allergens include pollen, which is prevalent in the summer in spring months. Pollen is derived from flowers and it is a very small substance, which is transferred from one place to another via wind, water, etc. Pollen can go inside your body and cause irritation.
Another common allergen is dust. People suffer a lot from dust allergies as it can cause breathing difficulties. Hay is also another allergen, and it causes hay fever and redness on the skin. Also, several insects can cause allergies by biting. Fungus and molds can also trigger your allergies.
What Can I Do To Prevent Allergies?
Now that you know what allergens are and how they cause allergies, you need to know the preventative measures which need to be taken to prevent your allergies from worsening. The main measure you have to take is to look after your personal hygiene. Whenever you come back home after a long day of work or school, make sure that you are taking a bath immediately and putting all of your clothes in washing.
Allergens can stick to your skin for hours and if you don’t clean yourself immediately, then it may travel up to your nose and mouth and get transferred in your respiratory system.
Will I Have To Take Medication?
Yes, allergies can only be alleviated by medication. Prevention and home remedies can only do so much. You will need to consult with your doctor to first, diagnose the type of allergy you might have, afterwards, you will be prescribed a treatment which consists of prescription medications for treating your allergies.
Medications are a lifesaver, especially when situations arise where your allergies get out of control. You should also carry your medication with you at all times, in case of an emergency. You never know when your allergies could strike you, so you should have medicine on hand.
Difference Between Allergies And A Common Cold
A lot of people tend to get confused between a common cold and an allergy. People going through a common cold will mistakenly take it for an allergy.
The main difference between a common cold and an allergy is that a common cold has symptoms like a runny nose, fever and nasal discharge. It usually goes away after a week or two. But allergies, on the other hand, don’t go away easily and they only aggravate when you come in contact with an allergen. If allergies go untreated, they can last up to days, which is a way longer span of time than a normal cold or flu.
Do Foods Cause Allergies Too?
Yes, several foods don’t sit well with people and this can cause gastric reactions. People are allergic to a lot of foods like gluten, nuts, seeds, eggs, etc. You will know what type of food you are allergic to, if you get tested for it. Once you know that you are suffering from food allergies, then you can prevent it from not consuming these foods anymore. You can find several alternatives for the foods you are allergic to, so you don’t feel like you are missing out on your favorite foods, just because you are allergic to them.
There you have it! Some of the most common and asked about questions about allergies that you can ask your allergist. These questions can really help you prevent sudden allergy reactions and also some ways by which you can alleviate incoming allergies. Lastly, if you are feeling severe allergic reactions, you need an allergist specialist for treatment. Don’t try things yourself.