Monthly Archives: October 2016

What Are the Most Common Allergy Symptoms?

In many situations, people do not know they are having an allergic reaction. For others, the instances of it occurring are very clear because the symptoms are significant. If you are having an allergic reaction that is severe, in which you are having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately. If you think you are having an allergic reaction to exposure, get help right away. And, it is important to recognize the symptoms of the condition so that you can take steps to prevent the worsening of them or future exposure. For that, you will need an appointment with an allergist.

What Happens When an Allergic Reaction Occurs?

Every person’s reaction to substances is different. Most people are exposed to numerous chemicals throughout the day and no symptoms or reactions happen. However, for some people, exposure to specific chemicals, foods, or other substances can create a response from the immune system. When this occurs, there are generally some type of outward sign of the reaction, which is the immune systems’ way of fighting it off.

The most common symptoms of a reaction include the following:

  • Hives, which occur when the skin breaks out in small, red spots. They can spread out over the entire body or be localized. They can quickly occur or occur over time.
  • The skin may itch and with or without hives, become red.
  • Nasal congestion can occur. This is called rhinitis and it is most commonly brought on by allergies that occur as a reaction to inhaled exposures.
  • Rashes can develop at the contact point or other places on the body.
  • The eyes can water or itchy.
  • Your throat may hurt or become itchy.

In addition to this, more serious symptoms can occur including pain or a tight feeling in the chest, abdominal pain, heart palpitations, flushing of the face or even vomiting. In the most severe forms, a person’s breathing may become restricted warranting immediate emergency help.

If you think you may have some of these symptoms, your allergist will begin to test you for these types of risks. The goal here is to learn what substances you are most responsive to. And, it is then necessary to take steps to prevent exposure or to reduce it.

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 and schedule a consultation with our allergist in New York City to learn more about the condition you may have and the steps available for treating it.

How to Spot a Food Allergy

People can develop allergies to many things. In some people, the allergy seems to be present from the start of life. For other people, it can develop and worsen over time. If you have a food allergy, it is very important for you to take steps to reduce the amount of contact you have with that allergen. Doing this can help minimize your symptoms and, depending on the type of reaction, reduce the risk that you will have a life threatening episode or exposure. The first step, though, is recognizing that an allergy may be happening.

Know the Symptoms of a Food Allergy

The first step, then, is to know what to look for in the symptoms of a food allergy. These can differ from one person to the next, though, some it is important for you to consider all extremes of these symptoms. For some people, the reaction to exposure to an allergen, which is a type of food that causes a reaction of the immune system, can take only moments. For others, it can take a few days. The most common symptoms of a food allergy include the following:

  • A tingling sensation in the mouth
  • Itching inside the mouth or around the lips
  • Wheezing or any type of difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the lips, the tongue, and/or the throat
  • Swelling of any other part of the body
  • Hives
  • Itching skin
  • Eczema
  • Adnominal pain and discomfortA tingling sensation in the mouth
    Itching inside the mouth or around the lips
    Wheezing or any type of difficulty breathing
    Swelling of the lips, the tongue, and/or the throat
    Swelling of any other part of the body
    Hives
    Itching skin
    Eczema
    Adnominal pain and discomfort
    Nausea or vomiting
    Nasal congestion
    Diarrhea
    Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Nasal congestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness

In addition to these symptoms, some people can have a very severe reaction. This is called anaphylaxis and it is a life threatening response to exposure to the allergy. Though these are less common, they are still present and can lead to very worrisome outcomes. Generally, the condition will cause a tightening in the airways which makes breathing difficult. The heart races and pulse picks up. A person’s throat will constrict and this often leads to a feeling of a lump in the thought. A person can quickly become unconscious as a result.

If you are worried about the symptoms you are having, seek out medical help. If you are having an immediate response that is life threatening, contact 911 right away. In addition, call our offices in New York City to schedule a consultation with an allergist to learn more about the options available to you to prevent and treat your condition.

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment with the best allergist in New York City.

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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