How Pollen Allergy Is Triggered
Yellowish fine powder known as pollen travels through wind, birds and other insects to affect hypersensitive people. When the immune system detects foreign particles, it reacts harshly by releasing IgE molecules. First time interaction may not stimulate an allergy, most second time when the allergic substances are ingested IgE antibodies release histamine. A chemical reaction triggered by histamine resulting in stuffy nose and irritated eyes. You may also experience hay fever after exposing to flowers and pollen. All these come under seasonal allergies. Normally, allergic reaction towards these substances develops from childhood. Anyway, adults can also see adverse reactions when they move to new environment. Though symptoms of common cold and allergic reaction are similar, they are completely different.
If you have a pollen allergy and breath in pollen pollen-heavy air, then you may experience some symptoms such as, Sneezing, water eyes, Nasal congestion, Itchy throat and eyes, wheezing, Runny nose. Pollen can also aggravate asthma symptoms, including increased sneezing, wheezing and coughing. The pollen count might be low, but we might find ourselves around one of the pollens that triggers our allergies. It is identified a fact that allergies can trigger a variety of symptoms but everyone will surely experiences a certain degree of discomfort at some stages. Pollen allergy is quiet common and typically causes sore throat, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.
How to Treat?
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
Sinusitis is a common disease that is best managed by an interprofessional team that includes nurses and pharmacists. The key to treatment is to reduce the triggers. Patients should be urged to quit smoking. In addition, empirical use of antibiotics should be avoided. The outcomes depend on the cause but irrespective of treatment, recurrences are common and lead to a poor quality of life.
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Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction
The severity of symptoms during an allergic reaction can vary widely. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
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Some of these symptoms can be sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It happens fast and may cause death. Symptoms usually involve more than one part of the body, such as the skin or mouth, the lungs, the heart and the gut. Learn more about anaphylaxis.
Eye allergies are common. Eye allergies are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens that get into your eyes. The tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and outside of the eyeball becomes inflamed and swollen and leads to itching, redness, tearing and irritation of the eyes.
The word rhinitis means inflammation of the nose. When the nose becomes irritated by allergens or irritants, it may produce more and thicker mucus than usual. This drainage can irritate the back of the throat and cause coughing. Allergic reactions can also cause congestion, itchy nose or throat, sneezing, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
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Seasonal Allergies: Occurrence And Symptoms
Seasonal allergies are sometimes referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
In the United States, allergies typically are at their worst during the spring season, when flowers start to bud and trees begin to bloom. In most parts of the country, allergies typically start in February and can last until early in the summer.
Certain factors can influence the intensity and duration of allergy season. For example, milder winter temperatures can lead to early plant pollination. Additionally, a rainy spring can lead to rapid plant growth, ultimately causing an increase in mold and symptoms that can linger into the fall.
Seasonal allergies develop because the bodys immune system has become sensitized and is overreacting to something in the environment that normally does not cause problems in other people. Some of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies include grass, pollen and mold.
Some of the most common general allergy symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Joint, back and neck pain
Other factors can influence the severity of allergy symptoms. After a rainfall, pollen counts typically increase. Pollen counts are often higher on warm and windy days. On days with no wind, allergens are typically grounded. High humidity also promotes mold growth. In addition, pollen levels are generally at their highest in morning hours. Certain pollens, such as grass and ragweed, are most prevalent when the nights are cool and the days are warm.
What Are The Different Types Of Allergy Tests
After the doctor takes your initial history, he selects from many tests to diagnose an allergy. Thereby, once youre well aware of your medical history, you can easily find out about the allergens causing your allergic reactions.
For instance, you can undergo Food allergy testing at home by taking a short quiz to get your allergy score. The starting steps are usually the skin test. An allergen is put in contact with your skin, either on a smaller surface or through an injection or tiny scratch. You may be allergic to that substance if your skin reacts, which you can know by reaching out to your doctor over the telephone. And, the best part is you can receive customized medications, which you can start immediately.
Another version of this is a patch test, wherein the patient wears an allergen patch to see if theres a reaction. Doctors may also do a focused blood test to look for specific immunoglobulin antibodies. Studies show that people with antibodies are sensitized to an allergen. But, that doesnt necessarily mean that they translate to itchy skin, swelling, hives, or any other symptoms.
Provocation tests are the ones that directly expose you to an allergen. These tests are popular as belonging to the last resort. And, thats the reason why doctors consider these under close medical supervision. After all, the patient will require immediate medical treatment in case of several treatments.
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How Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Skin
You can blame allergies for a lot of things, like itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing and scratchy throat, to name a few. Skin problems are another complaint you may be able to add to the list. Below is an overview of how allergies affect skin, how allergy-related skin problems can be prevented and the best course of treatment.
Allergy & Flu Treatment In Connecticut Massachusetts & New York
Whether you have allergies, the flu, or something else entirely, you can turn to PhysicianOne Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment. We operate numerous immediate care centers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, all of which are open 365 days per year with extended hours. to find out whether theres a PhysicianOne Urgent Care near you.
Best of all, our treatment services are available on a walk-in basis, so you wont have to deal with scheduling an appointment ahead of time. Instead, simply stop into one of our locations at a time thats convenient for you. We also have an online check-in option available for individuals who would like to reserve their spot in line, as well as Virtual Visits for those who would prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own home.
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How Eye Allergies Are Diagnosed
When your eyes start to itch, swell, water consistently or turn red, you can visit an ophthalmologist for an official diagnosis and treatment plan. You may also want to visit an allergist to learn if you have food and environmental allergies.
Your eye doctor will run specific tests to rule out some potential causes of your misery. Theyll also need to know if you have any predisposing factors, including pre-existing allergies or parents with or a family history of allergies.
Only after providing an accurate diagnosis for allergic conjunctivitis can your doctor prescribe proper treatment to ease your symptoms.
Common eye tests for eye allergies include a slit lamp and a white blood cell test.
Can Pollen Allergies Cause Body Aches
Pollen allergy is very common millions of Americans are affected by this allergic reaction. An individual can be allergic to the pet dander, pollen, foods, dust and even plants. But, can pollen allergies cause body aches?
Discomfort is the main issue with pollen allergy. Sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat and wheezing are common symptoms of pollen allergy. Hives, itchy skin, cough and body aches are not frequent.
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Airborne Allergies How They Affect Your Body
Top 10 Most Common Allergens In The Home
Airborne allergies are very common during springtime, but allergy sufferers have to stay alert all year round if they want to curb their symptoms.
When they hear about airborne allergies, most people mistakenly think of pollen allergy, but pollen is not the only allergen to cause problems.
Due to the high pollution level modern society faces while living in large cities, more and more people develop dust, mould, or pet dander allergies each year.
How Do Allergies Happen
If a child with an allergy is exposed to that allergen, their immune system mistakenly believes it’s harming their body. It overreacts, treating the substance as an invader and trying to fight it off. To protect the body, the immune system makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E . These cause certain cells to release chemicals into the bloodstream to defend against the allergen “invader.”
It’s the release of these chemicals that causes allergic reactions. Reactions can affect the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Future exposure to that same allergen will trigger this allergic response again.
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Causes Of Eye Allergies
You may have an allergic reaction if your eyes come into contact with certain chemicals or airborne allergens. Indoor causes of eye allergies are generally irritants circulating in the air or trapped in common household items and surfaces. These include:
Indirect exposures and risk factors include:
- Having certain food allergies
- Insect bite or sting allergies
What Are Eye Allergies
When a foreign particle or substance such as dust enters your eye, your body naturally releases histamine to protect you. An eye allergy can occur as your immune systems reaction to the presence of the irritant or allergen.
This reaction is also called allergic conjunctivitis, and it can cause eyelid discomfort and swelling. It can also affect the conjunctiva, the tissue layer that covers the front part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids.
You may also experience itching and a persistent urge to rub your eyes. In more serious cases, your eye turns so red and swells so much as it seeks to fight off the allergen that it seems as if it is infected. Such allergies are common, but not everybody has a significant reaction when dust or pollen gets into their eyes. They have a higher level of tolerance, just as some people are more vulnerable.
You may be at risk, too, if you experience nose allergies on exposure to foreign particles inside and outside your home or office environment. The severity of your allergic reaction can vary based on many factors.
While some people experience only lid inflammation, others suffer corneal irritation and scarring. You can minimize your risk of developing eye allergy complications with early management and treatment.
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Can Allergies Affect Joint Pain
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If you suffer from allergies, you likely know the toll they can take on your sinuses. But what about the rest of your body? Can allergies affect joint pain? Believe it or not, allergies, whether seasonal or food-related, can affect joint pain. Allergy symptoms appear for a variety of reasons, but some symptoms like joint pain may occur because of the humidity and rapid temperature changes that accompany the spring season.
During allergy season, many individuals experience a spike in allergy symptoms, particularly when there is a high pollen count. Some individuals will have mild symptoms like a stuffy nose and sneezing.
Others, on the other hand, can experience pain in their neck, back and joints. Joint pain is widespread. A national survey showed one-third of adults claimed to have experienced joint pain within the previous 30 days.
Allergy Symptoms And Inflammation
Your bodys reaction to inflammation plays a key role in how you feel during and after an allergy attack.
A research review published by the National Institutes of Health in 2019 indicated that chronic inflammation related to poorly treated allergies can have a significant impact on your overall health and often plays a role in asthma, chronic pain, and other serious conditions.
Certain symptoms associated with allergy-driven inflammation may be localized to a specific area, such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Nasal congestion and drainage
Note that anaphylaxis is an acute and system-wide inflammatory response to an allergen that can quickly become life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
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When Allergens Are Consumed
When you consume an allergen, your body gets stressed and produces adrenaline. This causes a number of changes in your body, including an increased heart rate, enlarged pupils, and the liver releasing glucose into your bloodstream. These changes can actually make you feel temporarily comforted because they’re a sign that your immune system is working overtime.
Can Allergies Cause A Fever
No, allergies do not cause a fever. Allergies are not caused by a virus and therefore cannot cause a fever. If you experience common allergy symptoms along with a fever, then you may be suffering from a cold, flu, bacterial infection or another infection. If you have itchy, watery eyes, then you likely have allergies itchy, watery eyes are uncommon with a cold or flu virus.
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What Happens When You Have An Allergic Reaction
When a person who is allergic to a particular allergen comes into contact with it, an allergic reaction occurs:
- When the allergen enters the body, it triggers an antibody response.
- The antibodies attach themselves to mast cells.
- When the pollen comes into contact with the antibodies, the mast cells respond by releasing histamine.
- When the release of histamine is due to an allergen, the resulting inflammation is irritating and uncomfortable.
Similar reactions can occur to some chemicals and food additives. However if they do not involve the immune system, they are known as adverse reactions, not allergy.
How Are Allergies Treated
Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesnt completely end the allergic reaction.
Medications such as antihistamines , decongestants , or a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, are used to treat your allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal steroids , cromolyn sodium, and topical nasal antihistamines also can be used to treat allergy symptoms.
Asthma medications, which reduce allergy symptoms, include:
- Inhaled bronchodilators.
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How To Differentiate Between A Cold And An Allergy
Its very difficult to differentiate between a common cold and an allergy.
Both illnesses might present themselves with symptoms of coughing, runny nose, and sneezing.
However, allergy symptoms may last longer than a colds. If you experience respiratory illness symptoms for more than a week or two, you should consult a physician.
Allergy Sore Throat Treatment
So, you have a sore throat, cough, runny nose and congestion. Have you caught a common cold or do you have allergy symptoms? Sometimes, it is even difficult for doctors to distinguish between the two, because their symptoms can be so similar. If you have persistent throat discomfort accompanied by other allergy symptoms, consider that you may have a sore throat due to allergies.
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How Seasonal Allergies Are Linked To Joint Pain
Seasonal allergies occur at certain periods of the year. These allergies typically impact various areas of the body, including the throat, eyes and nose. Joint pain typically accompanies these allergies.
However, theres still the question about the link between seasonal allergies and joint pain. Here are some reasons:
Other Tools To Fight Allergies
Allergy management should also include strategies to avoid exposure to pollen. This can include keeping windows closed, wearing a mask for yard work, avoiding going outside when pollen levels are high, and cleaning air conditioning ducts and filters.
Another important tool: stress reduction. “When you reduce stress levels and psychological stressors, you’ll feel like your quality of life has improved beyond just simply treating the allergies,” Dr. Sedaghat says.
“It’s not clear yet that stress reduction can directly reduce physical allergy symptoms, but there seems to be a mind-body connection when it comes to inflammatory diseases. So if you reduce stress, we would expect that stress hormone levels would go down, and the allergic overdrive to therefore go down as well,” Dr. Sedaghat says.
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