Monthly Archives: March 2016
Solutions to Eye Allergies
Just as allergens affect other parts of your body, they can affect your eyes as well. You may experience redness in the eyes, itching or teary eyes if you have an eye allergy, also known as ocular allergies or allergic conjunctivitis. However, if you spot any of these signs, don’t worry. Eye allergies are manageable and here are some solutions to get rid of them.
Symptoms of Eye Allergy
Many people suffer from eye allergies and almost one in five Americans has an eye allergy. The most common symptom of an eye allergy is itching while others include tearing, redness, mild swelling around the eyes, burning sensation, blurriness, and mucous production.
Causes of Eye Allergies
Eye allergies, like any other allergy, develop as a sign of immune system sensitivity and as an overreaction to an allergen in the environment which otherwise causes no reaction in other people. The allergen, upon contact with the antibodies in the mast cells of the eyes, releases chemicals that cause the eyes to become itchy, red, watery and swelled.
Solutions for Eye Allergy
While eye allergies can subside with the right medication in a few days and don’t cause serious harm, such as loss of eye sight, it may still hamper normal productivity. An eye allergy may also be due to an infection and not caused by an allergen in which case, it can threaten the eyesight. If the allergy persists, it is wise to see your doctor or allergist who may be able to diagnose the problem correctly. However, if you do know that your allergy is triggered due to an allergen, here are some solutions for it:
Wash Your Face
The first thing to do when you experience redness or itchiness in your eyes is to wash your face. It will help clear any allergens that may have stuck to the eyelashes or skin.
Use Allergy Drops
To soothe itchy eyes, you can try using over the counter allergy drops that are also recommended for swollen eyes.
Rinse the Eyes
Rinsing your eyes with water can help as it allows you to get rid of any allergens from the inside of the eyes and flushes them out.
Use a Cold Compress
If your eyes itch and feel swollen, apply a cold compress around your eyes as it can prove to be relaxing and helpful in reducing the irritation.
If you have a common seasonal eye allergy, these solutions may be able to help reduce the irritation in your eyes. However, if your eye allergy is due to an infection, you should see an allergist first thing and acquire the right medication and treatment for it. Itchy, swollen eyes can hamper your daily productivity and the infection can also spread.
To book an appointment with a NYC allergist, contact us today at 212-319-5282.
Important Facts about Allergy Testing
Many people suffer from allergies of one kind or another. In fact, more than 50 million Americans suffer from an allergy, which can be triggered due to different reasons and the extent of which, is different in each person. Some people suffer from seasonal allergies only during cold or warm weather, while others develop cough, sneezing, or rashes due to dust, pollen, or animal dander, which are the more common triggers of allergies.
By understanding the facts related to allergy testing, you can make sure that you have an increased understanding of your condition, and seek the proper treatment so that it is manageable in due time.
Here are some of the most important facts to know about allergy testing:
There Are Two Types of Allergy Tests
An allergy tests is performed either through the skin or through a blood test. Skin tests are however, quicker and produce positive reactions within 15-30 minutes. There are two types of skin tests, percutaneous or intracutaneous.
Multiple Allergens Can Be Tested At Once through the Percutaneous Test
The percutaneous test is also known as the prick-puncture or scratch test, which is done by scratching the skin’s surface with a drop of the allergen. This test is usually performed on the forearm or back of the person, and allows testing of several allergens together. If there is a positive reaction, it is indicated by swelling and redness.
Intracutaneous Test Injects the Allergen in the Skin
An intracutaneous test is performed when the results of a scratch test are doubtful. It is performed by injecting the suspected allergen in the skin using a syringe or fine needle. This type of test is more sensitive and positive, and often produces false positive results.
Medical History Is Important To Determine Allergy Testing
While an allergy test can be performed for children as well as adults, it is very important to determine the right test according to the patient’s age for which, their medical history is required.
Blood Test Is Time Consuming
Blood tests are conducted under special and specific circumstances, such as when a person has a high sensitivity level towards an allergen, or a more severe skin condition needs to be tested such as eczema, or if the doctor has advised against discontinuing any medication which can interfere with the test results.
A blood test is conducted by taking a blood sample and sending it to the laboratory. It is tested for the presence of antibodies that are specific to the suspected allergen. This kind of test takes several days.
Now that you know about the important and basic allergy testing facts, it is important that you get yourself tested if you fear you suffer from any kind of allergy. Contact us at 212-319-5282 to book an appointment with a NYC allergist today.
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