Allergy, Asthma & Sinus FAQ

Atlanta Allergy, Asthma and Sinus FAQ

Allergies can affect people of all ages and the causes can include seasonal pollen, food, pets and more. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about allergies.

How common are food allergies in the United States?

An estimated 32 million Americans suffer from food allergies. Approximately 5.6 million children have a food allergy, and 40% of these kids are allergic to more than one food. The CDC has also reported that food allergies in children have increased in prevalence since 1997.

What are the common symptoms of a food allergy?

Common signs of a food allergy are a skin rash, hives, swelling of lips, tongue and throat, breathing problems, wheezing, a runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lightheadedness. Symptoms usually appear between a few minutes and a couple of hours after consuming the food.

Can food allergies be outgrown?

Many food allergies will be outgrown by a percentage of children by the time they reach their teenage and adult years. Milk and egg allergies are more likely to be outgrown, while peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are less likely to be outgrown without treatment.

How can I tell if my child has allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

The first signs of allergic rhinitis are usually sneezing and a runny nose caused by inflammation. Your child may also have post-nasal drip leading to a sore throat, itchy eyes and possibly some pain in their ears. For a full diagnosis, your allergist will conduct allergy testing.

What steps can I take to prevent anaphylaxis?

If you have previously had a severe allergic reaction, you should avoid contact with the allergen and speak to an allergist. Subsequently, you should keep an anaphylaxis medication kit with you, including an epinephrine auto-injector. Your allergy doctor may recommend immunotherapy as an approach for building tolerance to the allergen.

What time of year does oral allergy syndrome occur?

Depending on the type of pollen you are allergic to, oral allergy syndrome (OAS) can occur in many months of the year. Birch pollen is most common in the spring, while grass pollen is the most common cause of OAS, and is prevalent during summer. During late summer and into fall you may experience a reaction to ragweed – and a plant called mugwort is responsible for many OAS reactions throughout the fall.

What are the most common allergies affecting children?

The most common types of allergies for children are allergic rhinitis (hay fever), peanuts and milk. However, children can experience an allergic reaction to many substances, including pet dander, dust and many different foods.

What are the benefits of aspirin desensitization?

Some benefits of aspirin desensitization include reduced risk of anaphylaxis, an improvement in asthma symptoms, better nasal and sinus health – and the ability to take aspirin for other health issues. If you have an aspirin allergy, contact your allergist to see if desensitization is recommended.

Contact Us for Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Care

For diagnosis and treatment of allergy, asthma and sinus issues, contact Dr. Chacko today. Our allergy treatment centers are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth and Johns Creek. For an appointment, call (678) 668-4688 or contact us online.