Allergies are a tell-tale warning from your immune system to avoid specific substances it perceives as harmful. While there is not a cure for most allergies, particular treatments can treat your symptoms. If you are desperate for relief from allergy symptoms, your allergist Surprise, AZ at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat may have the appropriate medications.
An overview of allergies
Allergies refer to an aggressive reaction of your immune system to foreign substances such as pollen that are usually harmless to most people. The foreign substance causing the allergic reaction is known as an allergen. Your immune system produces antibodies to protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses. Sometimes the immune system releases antibodies that perceive a specific allergen as dangerous even though it has no adverse effect on other people.
When you inhale or come into contact with an allergen, your immune system’s reaction may lead to inflammation of your digestive system, skin, or sinuses. The severity of allergies can range from mild irritation to life-threatening emergencies (anaphylaxis). Although there is no precise cure for most allergies, several treatments can relieve your symptoms.
When to inform your doctor about your allergies
Symptoms of allergies are different from one individual to the next. The type of symptom you experience also relies on how you come in contact with a specific allergen. There are two main categories of allergic symptoms:
- Airborne allergy symptoms
Airborne allergens such as pollen result in a reaction known as allergic rhinitis. They include a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, and sneezing.
- Insect, food, and medicine allergy symptoms
These types of allergic symptoms differ immensely, but allergic rhinitis is not a part of them. You may experience swelling, loss of consciousness, hives eye-watering, or trouble breathing. Call your physician immediately if you experience allergic symptoms that disrupt your life or don’t respond to non prescription allergy medications.
If you suspect anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and if you have an epinephrine auto-inject, give yourself a shot immediately. Even after your symptoms improve, visit the emergency room to ensure they don’t recur after the effects of the injection wear off. If you have a medical history of anaphylaxis, contact your most trusted specialist at Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat for a consultation.
Available treatments for managing allergies
There is no specific cure for allergies, but the Oasis, Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists can help you identify the allergens and manage your symptoms. They may recommend avoiding the specific allergens and, after an exam, suggest several treatments, including:
- Allergy medications
Your provider may recommend specific medications to manage your symptoms and prevent them from worsening. The team may prescribe oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, and other drugs to relieve your symptoms.
- Immunotherapy
The team may recommend immunotherapy if the prescribed allergy medications are ineffective. You may need to take small regular doses of the specific allergen to boost your tolerance.
Allergies can lower the quality of your life or even result in deadly reactions. Call the Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat office for an allergy diagnosis and effective treatments, or book your appointment online today.
