Monthly Archives: August 2014
Allergic Reactions
Allergic Reaction Causes
Allergic reactions can occur after being exposed to a substance, your body identities are harmful, even though the substance is harmless. Your allergy doctor can determine what types of allergens are triggering an allergic reaction.
Normally your immune system reacts to a harmful substance as an invader. An immune response is triggered in order to protect the body, and certain chemicals are released, such as histamine. Histamine can play an important role in your body’s natural defenses. But in the case of allergies, the substance the body views as harmful is harmless, and the histamines released cause typical allergy symptoms.
Allergic Reaction Symptoms
On your first visit with an allergist, the doctor will ask what type of allergy symptoms you have been experiencing. Allergy symptoms and allergic reactions may range from mild to severe and can even be life threatening. Allergic reactions can affect various systems of the body. For example, allergic rhinitis often causes symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Symptoms may be seasonal or year-round.
In other instances, allergic reactions may primarily cause symptoms related to the eyes. When this occurs, the condition is called allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic reactions may include itchy, watery eyes. Eyes may also become red or swollen.
Skin reactions may also be a symptom of an allergy. Hives or a rash can develop in some people after coming in contact with an allergen or after eating certain foods or taking certain medications. In more serious allergic reactions, symptoms may include chest tightness, wheezing, swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing.
Allergy Treatment
Your allergy doctor will determine what type of treatment is best for your particular allergy and symptoms. Treatments may include over the counter medication and prescription decongestants and antihistamines. In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended in order to decrease your sensitivity to a particular allergen.
You don’t have to worry about allergic reactions or suffering from allergy symptoms. Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is the first step. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best allergy doctor in New York City.
Allergic Nasal Conditions (allergic rhinitis, hay fever)
In the United States alone about 50 million people suffer from allergic nasal conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and hay fever. The conditions occur when your immune system is hypersensitive to an inhaled substance, such as pollen. For many people, allergic nasal conditions occur seasonally. But for others, the condition is present year-round.
Causes of Allergic Nasal Conditions
Your immune system fights off substances, which can harm the body, such as bacteria. But in the case of allergies, your immune system overacts to a substance, called an allergen, which is not harmful. When the immune system overacts, chemicals are released into the bloodstream, which create an allergic reaction.
When an allergen is inhaled, it irritates the nasal passages and can cause a variety of symptoms. Although your allergy doctor will determine what you are allergic to, common allergens include pollen, grass, ragweed and fungus. Indoor allergens often include dust, household mites and mold.
Nasal Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of allergic nasal conditions including allergic rhinitis are similar to a cold. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose and post nasal drip. Coughing, fatigue and a headache can also develop. Symptoms may range in severity and can even interfere with day to day activities.
Diagnosis
In order to get an accurate diagnosis of allergic nasal conditions, it is important to see an allergist. An allergy doctor can test you for an allergic reaction to a variety of substances and determine the cause of your symptoms. Testing may include skin tests, which involves pricking the skin and injected a small amount of a suspected allergen. If you are allergic to the substance administered during the skin test, you will likely develop a reaction, such as redness or a raised bump.
Treatment
Treatment may be multifaceted depending on what you are allergic to and the severity of your symptoms. Your allergy doctor will likely educate you on ways to reduce exposure to allergens and prevent symptoms. For example, being aware of the pollen count if you are allergic, and staying indoors when counts are high may reduce allergy symptoms.
In addition to education and tips to reduce exposure to allergens, treatment may include medication, such as decongestants, antihistamines or a combination of drugs. Allergy shots may also be an option for some people. The shots consist of small doses of the allergen, which is gradually increased overtime. The purpose of the shots is to allow your immune system to get used to the allergen, which prevents a hypersensitive or allergic reaction from occurring.
If you have suffered from allergic nasal conditions, you know how annoying it can be. But effective treatment is available. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Boyan Hadjiev one of the best allergists in NYC.
Serving all of New York City and the Tri State Area including Zip Codes: Top Allergist NYC Midtown, Chelsea and Clinton: 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10020, 10036 | Gramercy Park and Murray Hill: 10010, 10016, 10017, 10022 | Greenwich Village and Soho: 10012, 10013, 10014 | Lower Manhattan: 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280 | Lower East Side: 10002, 10003, 10009 | Upper East Side: 10021, 10028, 10044, 10128 | Upper West Side: 10023, 10024, 10025
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