Allergy Symptoms
What are allergy symptoms and when should I get treatment?
Patients often wait to visit an allergist when their sinus congestion and runny stuffy nose are no longer controlled by over-the-counter medications. At this point your symptoms may be interfering with your day-to-day life and preventing you from going to work or enjoying time with your family. However, seeing a board-certified allergist can help you find the right course of treatment to manage your symptoms.
Those with allergies often experience symptoms that last for several weeks to months of the year. They often reoccur during the same time of year.
Common Allergy Symptoms:
The most common allergic symptoms are nasal congestion; runny nose and sneezing; itchy, watery, red eyes; ear congestion; a cough, wheezing, chest tightness; and eczema.
Sinus Congestion
Runny, Stuffy, and/or Itchy Nose
Watery, Itchy Eyes
Cough or Sneezing
Wheezing, Shortness of Breath
Other Allergy Symptoms:
Symptoms that may not be recognized as allergy-related include:
- Headaches
- Sore Throat
- Loss of Taste or Smell
- Low Productivity/Poor Concentration
- Fatigue
- Sleep Disturbances
- Snoring
Cause of Allergies
No one knows for sure why certain people are allergic to specific allergens while others are not. Allergies do tend to run in families, if you have allergies, likely at least one of your parents do as well.
Allergy symptoms are caused by your immune system’s response to a harmless substance, mistaking it for a dangerous one. This reaction causes your body to produce an antibody called “immunoglobulin E” that releases histamines that can causes your sneezing, itchy, watery eye, and other allergy symptoms.
It’s important identify and then avoid bothersome allergens. However, that’s not always possible. Our physicians can prescribe antihistamines and other allergy medications to help manage your symptoms. They may recommend allergy immunotherapy, or allergy shots, for patients with moderate to severe allergies. Allergy shots treat the underlying cause of allergies and can help patients find long-lasting relier.
Don’t wait until you are suffering to do something about your allergies. Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists, and more towards a clearer tomorrow!