Over 50 million Americans are affected by allergies. Allergies are the fifth leading chronic disease in the country. For children, allergies rank third in chronic diseases. Thousands of adults and children are hospitalized annually for allergic reactions to food.

Living with an allergy can be difficult. Some allergies are mild, and reactions to allergens may be annoying but treatable with over-the-counter allergy medicines. Severe allergies, on the other hand, can cause life-threatening reactions and require urgent care. Knowing the type of allergies you have and how severe a reaction can be is important.

When a foreign substance enters the body and the body senses the invasion, the immune system is put into motion. Normally, the immune system works to protect the body from harmful substances. Your body fights off colds and flu in this way. Allergens are substances that are normally harmless, but the body perceives them as threats and overreacts to their presence.

Allergens can be anything. Common allergens are dust, mold and mildew, pet dander, medications, foods, insect bites or bacteria. The body may have an isolated reaction that is localized in one spot, such as itchy eyes. A wide-ranging reaction, such as hives all over the body, can also be caused by an allergy.

Most allergic reactions are not severe. Rashes caused by a bug bite like a mosquito, sneezing caused by hay fever or a skin rash caused by poison ivy are usually not serious. How a body responds to an allergen depends on the person’s immune system.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can result in death. Annually, between 63 and 99 people die due to an allergic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis.

Seeking Medical Care

Sudden or severe allergic reactions should be considered an emergency. Here are things to watch for:

• Exposure to a known allergen that has caused severe reactions before
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or tightness in the chest
• Confusion, sweating, nausea or vomiting
• Severe hives or a rash covering the body
• Lightheadedness, collapse or unconsciousness

These symptoms warrant a 9-1-1 call. Emergency medical personnel know how to treat these types of allergic reactions.

Mild allergic reactions can be diagnosed and treated with a visit to your doctor. A thorough examination and questions about the reaction, timing and circumstances will help with diagnosing the problem. You may be advised to undergo allergy testing to find out what allergens may trigger a reaction.

Contact Dr. Michael for information on how to manage your allergies. Schedule an appointment today for an exam and consultation.