Learn More About Allergies & Asthma
Allergy symptoms can be more than bothersome or irritating; they can interfere with your day-to-day activities and sleep. Allergies can also result in loss of productivity, missed work or school, and an overall poor quality of life. At Frederick Allergy & Asthma Center, we help you get control of your allergies and begin enjoying the simple things in life. We are board-certified specialists in allergies, asthma, and other allergy-related illnesses. We diagnose and treat both children and adults. If you suffer from hay fever, food allergies, insect allergies, asthma, eczema, hives, or other related problems, we can help. Call and set up an appointment today.
Understanding Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when your body views certain foods as harmful. Nearly 2 million people in the U.S. have food allergies. Ninety percent of people who suffer from food allergies are allergic to one or more of eight specific foods: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Symptoms of a food allergy include a tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and death.
Your allergist may conduct a skin or blood test to determine if you have any food allergies. The best treatment is to avoid eating - and in some cases even contacting - those foods. An EpiPen® will be prescribed for accidental ingestion or contact. Unfortunately, no cure for food allergies has been found, though some progress is being made with slowly reintroducing the triggering foods into your diet. Such steps should be done only under the supervision of an allergist.
Reference: 2007: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Understanding Insect Allergies
People's reactions to a stinging insect will vary. Most people react locally, meaning the site of the sting becomes painful, swells and turns red. If you have a local reaction, simply clean the area, apply ice and take an antihistamine. Anything other than a local reaction should be seen immediately by a doctor due to the possibility of an anaphylaxis reaction or future intensified sting reactions. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms may include tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, dizziness, unconsciousness or cardiac arrest. You can lower your chances of an insect sting by using caution and recognizing stinging insects and their nests in order to avoid them. If you believe you may be allergic to stinging insects, see an allergist. He or she may suggest that you carry an EpiPen® for emergencies.
Reference: 2007, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Insect Allergies