The Most Common Types of Allergies
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is a leading provider of allergy treatment services in the Atlanta area. With vast experience as an allergist/immunologist, our allergy doctors provide personalized treatment to patients with allergies of various types.
Allergies affect more than 50 million people across the United States, often starting from a young age. And with the threat of severe allergic reactions, it is essential to let our allergy doctors help you understand common allergens and their typical symptoms.
What Are Allergies?
Allergic reactions and symptoms affect an estimated 1 in 5 people in the United States, according to the Allergy Report from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI).
Allergies are caused by foreign substances that the immune system reacts to by causing itchy eyes, runny nose, hives and many more.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology provides you with a virtual allergist to help determine the possible causes of your symptoms. However, to be sure what is causing your symptoms, please contact Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, experienced allergy doctors, for further details and to assess the severity of your conditions.
What Is an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction is caused by a hypersensitive response or reaction of the body’s immunoglobulin E (IgE). The allergic reaction or sensitivity to a substance is a release of inflammatory chemicals that cause swelling of your body’s tissues, itching, and many more reactions.
For example, if an allergen is in the air, this can cause a reaction in the eyes, nose, and/or lungs. If the allergen is ingested, the reaction can occur in the mouth, stomach and even the intestines.
What Are the Different Types of Allergies?
As many as 50 million Americans are allergic to some type of allergen, whether it be pollen, peanuts, or pet dander. Below is a list of the most common types of allergies.
Allergic Rhinitis – is a swelling and inflammation of the nasal passage, congestion, sneezing, and itchy/watery eyes. Rhinitis is caused by a variety of outdoor and indoor allergens.
Sinusitis – is an infection of the sinuses caused by rhinitis or asthma. Half of all chronic sinusitis is not caused by allergies.
Asthma – is the inflammation of the lungs and airway that constrict the bronchial tubes. Asthma can result in wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing.
Food Allergies – is an intolerance to foods such as peanuts, shellfish and more. Food allergies can cause Anaphylaxis which can be a mild or life-threatening reaction to foods.
Insects – is also an allergy that can cause Anaphylaxis, and is one of the most dangerous allergic reaction that can cause death if not treated right away with an Epi-Pen and/or hospital treatment.
Latex Allergy – is a reaction to the material within latex. Usually, it is an allergy to the powder residue that coats the latex. This powder residue can also become airborne.
Drug Allergies – is a reaction to a drug like penicillin, that can cause symptoms like hives.
Mold Allergy – mold can grow in many places, places that are usually damp like basements, bathrooms and more. Allergic reactions to mold can be year-round.
Pet Allergies – A person with a pet allergy can be sensitive to pet urine, saliva or dander.
Pollen Allergy – Pollen is one of the most common allergens that trigger seasonal allergy symptoms.
Skin Allergies – is a reaction to substances such as plants, metals, or chemicals that can irritate the skin. Symptoms might include rashes, swelling and itching.
Environmental and Food Allergies Affecting Atlanta Patients
While it’s possible to have an allergy to almost any type of substance, patients typically experience reactions to environmental or food allergens. Environmental allergens (including pollen, dust mites and pet dander) or food allergens (such as peanuts, shellfish and dairy) are commonplace in daily life, making it difficult to avoid exposure completely. Below, we’ll look at two of the most significant causes of allergies for Atlanta patients – allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and food allergies.
Causes and Treatment for Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis, also known as hay fever, is one of the most common allergies. This allergic reaction is usually caused by pollen and dust mites. This type of allergy can cause inflammation or swelling of the nose, as well as cause symptoms in the eyes. The main symptoms that these cause, are sneezing, congestion, and itchy/ watery eyes.
Treatment for Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis can be your every day over the counter allergy medication, or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition. Some medications include antihistamines, intranasal cromolyn, intranasal steroids, oral anti-leukotrienes, oral decongestants and more. The main treatment for Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis is to avoid allergens that cause these symptoms.
What to Avoid if You Have Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
Avoiding some allergens that cause Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis, or Hay Fever can be very tricky in your day to day life. Some ways that these can be avoided are staying indoors when pollen counts are high, keeping away from animals, and much more ways to avoid your symptoms.
If avoiding exposure to allergens in combination with the regular use of medication is not effective, an allergy doctor may recommend immunotherapy, also known as an Allergy Shot.
Allergens That Cause Hay Fever
Pollens – Pollen is a microscopic particle that is released into the air by trees, grasses, weeds, and flowers.
Dust Mites – Dust Mites are microscopic insects that live in dust or fibers within your household, such as pillows, mattresses, carpets, and upholstery. If someone is allergic to dust mites they may have symptoms like those of pollen allergies, as well as wheezing and coughing, which are symptoms associated with asthma.
Molds – Mold is a fungi with spores that release into the air. Mold is found in damp areas.
Animal Dander – Pet Dander is the proteins that are released by an animal’s sweat glands that are in the animal’s skin, which is shed in dander. Proteins in an animal’s saliva can also cause allergic reactions in some people.
Common Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to proteins found in common foods. Even a tiny amount of exposure can trigger this overreaction, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms that may vary from mild to severe. With the threat of potential anaphylaxis involved, learning more about your or your child’s allergy and how to manage it effectively is crucial for preventing severe reactions.
There are 8 types of food allergies that affect 90% of all reactions:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Soy
To determine which type of foods you are allergic to, your allergist will perform multiple types of tests, like patch testing, blood tests, Prick testing, pulmonary function study, chest and sinus X-rays, nasal smear. Your family’s history of allergies also helps to determine what types of foods you may be allergic to and the best food treatment options available.
Symptoms From Food Allergies
Some of the main symptoms of a food allergy include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, swelling (face, throat etc.) hives, and other triggers. Food intolerances, such as peanut allergies and lactose intolerances, are the most common of all food allergies.
However, food allergies and food intolerances do have some notable differences. A food allergy affects the immune system, and may be treated with oral immunotherapy, while a food intolerance is a digestive system reaction. And while food intolerance is often uncomfortable, an intolerance reaction is more mild and less risky than an allergic reaction.
Examples of Food Allergy Symptoms
- Vomiting /stomach cramps
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Repetitive cough
- Shock/circulatory collapse
- Tight, hoarse throat; can cause trouble swallowing
- Swelling of the tongue, affecting speech or breathing
- Weak pulse
- Pale or blue coloring of skin
- Dizziness/feeling faint
- Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, speak with an allergist as soon as possible. Allergy symptoms can be unpredictable, and while you may have suffered only some mild discomfort, future exposure to the allergen could cause a more severe response.
Common Questions About the Types of Allergies
What are the most common types of food allergies in the United States?
The most common food allergies for children are peanuts and milk. Shellfish, milk and peanuts are the primary causes of allergic symptoms.
What are the main treatment options for allergies?
Medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants and epinephrine are the most common allergy drugs. In addition, long-term desensitization can be achieved using allergy shots for environmental allergies and oral immunotherapy for food allergies.
How do I know if I am allergic to multiple types of allergies?
The only way to be sure if you have allergies is by undergoing allergy testing with a professional allergy doctor. Tests – including skin prick testing and blood testing – screen for a wide variety of allergens.
Contact an Allergist Near You Today
If you are developing symptoms due to allergens, like shortness of breath, hives, swelling of the face, and much more, contact Dr. Thomas Chacko or one of the allergy doctors at our Atlanta area locations. Request an appointment today or call the office at (678) 668-4688.
