From shellfish and peanuts to pet dander, pollen, and mold… allergens are everywhere!

Anyone can have or develop allergies. In fact, allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year! And while there is no cure for the pesky condition, you can manage your symptoms with prevention and treatment.

What are Allergies?

Allergies occur when our body’s immune system mistakes a harmless, everyday substance for a dangerous one. In response, the body produces proteins called antibodies to fight the perceived intruder, or allergen.

This leads to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and a scratchy throat. In more severe cases, the antibodies can cause hives, low blood pressure, rashes, breathing trouble, asthma attacks and even death.

Allergens can be something you eat, touch, inhale into your lungs, or inject into your body. Common allergy triggers include:

Airborne: tree, grass and weed pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander
Skin: poison ivy and poison oak, nickel or other metals, latex, and sunscreens
Food: milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish
Insect: bee and wasp stings and poisonous ant bites
Medicine: Penicillin

Symptoms

Different types of allergies have different symptoms. Any of the following may be a sign of allergies:

• Sneezing
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Itching and redness of the eyes
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rashes or hives
• Dizziness

Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include flush; tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips; light-headedness, and chest-tightness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment of Allergies

Treatment depends on the specific type of allergy. If you are suffering from one or more of the symptoms listed above, head into Range Urgent Care. Our medical team can help diagnose the cause and prescribe an appropriate treatment.