Table of Contents
Allergies
Allergies are all about an individual’s immune system. Any qualified allergist in Leesburg will agree that the immune system of an individual protects them from germs such as bacteria and viruses, thereby ensuring the person enjoys good health. However, in the event of an allergy, a person’s immune system defends the body against substances that would normally be considered harmless, for instance, cat dander or dust. Allergy triggers cause one’s body to make molecules known as antibodies to fight these substances, causing a series of reaction responses such as inflammation, runny nose, and sneezing in the event.
About Allergens
According to a qualified allergist in Leesburg, allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. Allergens trigger and worsen an individual’s severity of allergic reactions, which may cause health issues such as asthma. Examples of such allergens include pollen from trees and grass, such as ragweed, mold, animal dander (from hair, skin, or feathers) and saliva, dust mites and cockroaches.
Allergens infuse into the human body either through inhalation, ingestion or if the individual touches it. Any of these types of exposure can lead to serious and even life-threatening allergic response, such as anaphylactic shock, swelling or difficulty in breathing, as is the case with an asthma attack.
Symptoms
The symptoms of allergic reactions include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fast breathing, and tightening of the chest. People will generally notice these symptoms deteriorate when exposed to certain triggers, which can include allergens. A serious asthma attack can lead to adverse airway inflammation that makes it very difficult to breathe.
Different types of allergic reactions may include airwave inflammation, skin irritation and a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis naturally affects more than one part of the body at the same time. One might experience itchy rashes on the body, a feeling of light-headedness, throat tightness in the throat and chest leading to shortness of breath, anxiety, cramps and/or vomiting.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Either an allergist or an immunologist can treat an allergic disorder. Procedurally, to confirm if one has an allergy, an allergist will take an in-depth medical history and do a physical test. He or she may do allergy skin testing, or sometimes blood testing, to determine which substance is causing one’s allergy. Once a person’s allergy triggers are known, the allergist can help them create a treatment plan fit for their body. In most instances, allergy immunotherapy in the form of shots or tablets is an effective, cost-effective long-term treatment approach. While there is not yet a cure for allergic disease, an experienced allergist can properly diagnose the problem and develop a foolproof plan to help the patient feel better and live better.
Healthy Tips
Avoidance of triggers is the first and most important way to prevent allergic reactions. Keeping the home clean and mold-free can often help reduce the potential triggers for allergic reactions. People allergic to dust mites must do everything to keep dust to a minimum. They can take specific actions at home to reduce their risk of exposure to these mites. Bed coverings on pillows and mattresses should be allergen-proof, while vacuum cleaners should have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce the amount of dust present. The bedding should be washed regularly using a high water temperature to forcefully remove dust mites as well as other potential allergy-causing substances. Additionally, people allergic to pet dander should find out which pets can stay indoors, and which ones cannot.