What is allergies?
(What are allergies?)
Allergies are a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person’s immune system reacts to substances that are normally harmless. Allergies are not only bothersome, but some have been linked to chronic respiratory illnesses such as sinusitis and asthma. Allergic reactions can also be severe and, in some cases, fatal.
Any substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. Potential allergens exist almost everywhere. They can be inhaled while breathing, ingested while eating, or deposited on our skin through the air or through touch. The most common types of allergens are animal fur and dander, airborne pollens, drugs, foods and insect bites/stings.
Allergies can affect many areas of the body resulting in allergy-related disease states including
| Condition | Symptoms |
| Hay fever or allergic rhinitis | Nasal stuffiness, sneezing, clear discharge, itching of the nose, mouth or ears |
| Allergic asthma | Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing |
| Food allergies | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of lips or tongue, chest tightness, wheezing, drop in blood pressure |
| Insect sting or bite | Larger than usual swelling, pain, itching and swelling, can develop anaphylaxis |
| Latex allergy | Dermatitis, hives, eczema, can progress to anaphylaxis with continued exposure |
| Conjunctivitis | Itching, watering, painful red eyes |
| Anaphylaxis | Most severe response with drop in blood pressure and possible death if not treated immediately |
Allergies should not be ignored because continued exposure can result in increasingly serious allergy symptoms or allergic reactions. In cases where a person is hypersensitive to an allergen (e.g. bee sting or severe peanut allergy), the speed of the allergic reaction can be dramatic and potentially life threatening without immediate treatment!
The good news is that most allergies can be controlled allowing their victims to enjoy productive lives. ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctors are specially trained and Board Certified to treat people of all ages who are suffering with allergies.
If you or a family member has allergies you should seek professional medical advice from a Board Certified/Eligible Allergy specialist. If you live in the State of Virginia, consider contacting Richmond Allergy and Asthma Specialists at 1-804-285-7420, or schedule an appointment online. Our specialists are Board Certified/Eligible, they accept referrals from other medical professionals, and the practice does have a certified vaccine laboratory onsite.
Get tested! Get treated! Get better!
