Types of Allergies

Allergies can cause rashes, hives, coughs and sneezes. Sometimes allergy symptoms seem to come out of nowhere and can be very uncomfortable. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. If you experience any allergic reaction, you must call your doctor immediately. Your Surprise allergist offers various treatment options to help patients with allergies.

There are many types of allergies, each with different symptoms and causes:

Drug allergies

Drug allergies are the most common type of allergy. They occur when you develop a severe allergic reaction to one or more drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) that you’ve been taking.

Drug allergies can develop when your immune system mistakes a medicine for an allergen. When this happens, it causes your body to overreact and release histamine, which in turn causes symptoms such as hives, asthma, itchy skin, and swelling around the mouth.

Food allergies

These allergic reactions occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a protein in food as harmful. If you eat foods with the same protein, your immune system will respond by producing an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can cause swelling, itching, hives, and other symptoms. Food allergies can cause shortness of breath, tiredness, wheezing, itching, and hives (urticaria). They can also cause swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat (angioedema).

Common foods that cause reactions include nuts, fruits, eggs, and milk. Some people have reactions to soy or gluten.

Contact allergy

Contact allergy occurs when you come into contact with a substance that causes your immune system to overreact and produce excessive amounts of IgE antibodies. It’s these antibodies that cause symptoms. Contact allergies can be very itchy and uncomfortable. The symptoms vary depending on what triggers the allergic reaction and how severe it is. It can occur anywhere, but it is most common on the lips, eyes, nose, and genitals.

Insect allergy

Insect allergies result from an immune response to insect venoms, such as those found in bees or wasps. Insect bites are responsible for the majority of insect-related allergic reactions. The most common insect bites are mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and mites.

Insect saliva contains tiny proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. This type of allergy affects about 5% of the population. These allergies cause symptoms like swelling around affected areas (angioedema). They can also cause a rash on top of affected areas (urticaria).

Some insects cause more severe reactions than others and can cause anaphylactic shock if not treated quickly. Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. It is essential to know what types of animals to avoid if you have insect allergies.

Allergies are a common problem among children but can also affect adults. They are caused by the immune system reacting to something it thinks is a threat. The most common allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. If you are unsure if you have an allergy or other medical condition, see your doctor and get tested. A physical exam will help determine if you have an allergy or another underlying medical condition like asthma or eczema. Contact Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat and book an appointment with a doctor to learn more about allergy diagnosis and management.