Understanding Allergies: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment

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Understanding Allergies Symptoms, Testing, and
Treatment

• DOC-AID Urgent Care

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What are common allergies?

• Allergies occur when our immune system mistakenly
  reacts to a harmless substance. Different
  allergens, including food, insects, medication,
  dust, smoke, and animal dander, can cause these
  reactions. Knowing the various types of allergies
  is crucial to ensure that we prevent and treat
  them correctly.
• Allergens are substances that cause allergies,
  including pollen, dust mites, animal dander,
  certain foods, insect bites, medicines, latex,
  mold, and household chemicals. usually do not
  cause any reaction or symptoms in people who are
  not allergic to them.

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What are the symptoms of allergies?

• Allergies can affect various body parts,
  including the airways, sinuses, lungs, skin, and
  digestive system. The specific symptoms are
  determined by the type of allergen involved.
• To help you identify your allergy, weve listed
  the symptoms associated with each type below
• Hay fever or allergic rhinitis can lead
  following
• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes, or mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis).

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• A food allergy can cause
• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis An insect sting allergy can cause
• A large area of swelling at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over the body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of
  breath
• Anaphylaxis

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• A drug allergy can cause
• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

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• Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition,
  can cause
• Itchy skin
• Red, swollen skin
• Flakey or peeling skin
• Hives on the skin
• Anaphylaxis
• Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially fatal
  reaction triggered by certain allergies. It is
  imperative to recognize the signs and symptoms of
  anaphylaxis to seek immediate medical attention.
  These may include
• Loss of consciousness
• A drop in blood pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Lightheadedness
• A rapid, weak pulse
• Nausea and vomiting

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What is an allergy test?

• Allergy testing is a crucial diagnostic tool that
  helps identify the specific allergens responsible
  for triggering allergic reactions. By
  administering small doses of allergens to
  patients, allergists can accurately pinpoint the
  culprits behind the reactions. This information
  is invaluable in developing an effective allergy
  treatment plan.

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What types of allergy tests are there?

• There are two main types of allergy tests
• Skin Tests -There are multiple types of skin
  tests available to determine allergies. During
  the first type of skin test, known as a skin
  prick test, a drop of a suspected allergen is
  pricked on the surface of the skin. The test is
  performed on the back of the arm, most commonly
  the forearm. Many suspected allergens are tested
  simultaneously. Redness and swelling occur at the
  test spot if an allergic reaction occurs.If the
  results from a skin prick test are unclear, a
  second type of test may be recommended to rule
  out false positives. In this type, known as a
  skin injection test, a small amount of the
  suspected allergen is injected into the skin of
  the arm or forearm. Several suspected allergens
  are tested simultaneously.
• Blood Tests Blood tests can be used to
  determine allergies, although they can produce
  false positives and are not considered as
  accurate as skin tests.

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Where can I be treated for allergies?

• If you need allergy testing and diagnosis, visit
  DOC-AID Urgent Care. Schedule an appointment or
  use our Telehealth service from anywhere in
  Texas. Our company strives to provide friendly
  and compassionate help.