When you first encounter an allergic reaction, you may think that you have the flu or other illness. If you have any non-flu symptoms, you may have an allergic reaction to something in your environment. Many allergens can affect your skin, breathing, eyes, nose, respiratory system, stomach, and intestinal tract. If you think you or a family member has an allergy, learn more about a few common causes and treatments for allergic reactions in people:
Causes and Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
Food Allergies—Try to pinpoint which food is causing your allergic reaction so that you can inform your doctor and he can prescribe an appropriate remedy. Common allergenic foods include eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, tree nuts, ground nuts, soy, and wheat.
Skin Allergies—Skin allergies have many causes. Symptoms of skin allergies include a rash, hives, itching, redness, blisters, and burning. Try not to touch or scratch skin allergies but wash them with a non-detergent soap and cover them with clean clothing. Tell your doctor about your symptoms and follow his or her directions for treatment.
Drug Allergies—Tell your doctor immediately if you are having a reaction to a drug that has been prescribed for you. Your doctor can change your prescription to another medication or give you a remedy to counteract your allergic reaction. Always follow the directions on your medication and do not try to treat yourself when having a drug-related allergic reaction.
Airborne Allergies—Pollen and other natural substances can cause unexpected allergic reactions that can be difficult to accurately diagnose. Keep a diary of your allergic reactions along with your activities and location just prior to having your allergic reaction. This will help your doctor to correctly diagnose your allergy and prescribe a treatment.
Seasonal Allergies—You can have an allergic reaction during different seasons of the year to an unknown natural cause. If you are severely affected by a seasonal allergy, you should try to stay indoors and wear a breathing mask that covers your mouth and nose when you go outside.
Treatments for Allergic Reactions
Avoidance—It goes without saying that you should avoid a specific allergen as one way to treat an allergic reaction. This avoidance allows your body to stop reacting to the irritant and heal itself. Symptoms can be reduced almost immediately, however, you should continue to avoid the allergen even though your symptoms have subsided.
Medications—There are many medications and products that can reduce or eliminate allergic reactions. Some medications that are prescribed for allergic reactions include antihistamines, decongestants, steroids, other medications, and over-the-counter products. Whenever taking a medication for an allergic reaction, always completely finish taking all of your prescribed medication on the prescribed schedule, even though your symptoms have subsided.
There are many causes of allergic reactions that are common and uncommon among different people in different locations and climates. Try to find out what is causing your allergic reaction by using a system of trial and error and keeping copious notes. You must be diligent in your search and give your body time to react to something you suspect might be causing your symptoms. With diligence and work, you will be able to accurately find the allergen and then get proper treatment for it from your doctor. For more information, consult services like Allergy Asthma & Immunology Associates.
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