FAQ

Allergies are the most prevalent undiagnosed illnesses, with over 50 million individuals in America experiencing them. Around 55% of all U.S. residents test positive for one or more allergens.

The most common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, certain foods (such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and shellfish), and certain medications (such as penicillin and aspirin).

The most common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, certain foods (such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and shellfish), and certain medications (such as penicillin and aspirin).

The symptoms of allergies can vary depending on the type of allergy and the severity of the reaction. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, hives or rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Allergies can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exam, and allergy testing. Allergy testing can include skin tests, blood tests, and patch tests.

Allergies can be treated through a variety of methods, including avoiding the allergen if possible, taking medications such as antihistamines or decongestants, and receiving allergy shots (also known as immunotherapy) to help desensitize the immune system to the allergen.

Allergies cannot be prevented, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing allergies or having severe allergic reactions. These steps include avoiding known allergens, keeping indoor spaces clean and free of allergens, and eating a healthy diet.

There is a genetic component to allergies, meaning that they can run in families. However, it is not always clear why some people develop allergies while others do not.

Yes, it is possible for allergies to develop later in life, even if you have never had an allergic reaction before.

Allergies can be dangerous in some cases, particularly if they lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It is important to take allergies seriously and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction.

While there is no cure for allergies, they can be effectively managed through a combination of allergen avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy.

It is possible for some allergies to be outgrown, particularly in the case of food allergies in children. However, other allergies may persist throughout a person’s life.

If you suspect that you have allergies, you should schedule an appointment with one of our AOD providers who can help diagnose and treat your allergies.

Some people may find relief from allergies through natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, saline nasal sprays, or steam inhalation. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new treatments, as some natural remedies can interact with medications or may not be effective.

While stress itself may not cause allergies, it can exacerbate allergy symptoms in some people. Managing stress through techniques like meditation, exercise, or therapy may help reduce allergy symptoms.

Yes, some allergies are seasonal and are triggered by certain allergens that are more prevalent at certain times of the year. For example, pollen allergies are often worse during the spring and fall.

Some foods, such as those high in vitamin C or quercetin, may help reduce allergy symptoms. These foods include citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and onions. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Air purifiers can help reduce the amount of allergens in the air, which may help reduce allergy symptoms. However, it is important to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can effectively capture allergens, and to keep the air purifier clean to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.

Yes, allergies can have an impact on mental health, particularly if they are chronic or severe. Allergies can cause fatigue, irritability, and difficulty sleeping, which can in turn affect mood and mental health. It is important to seek treatment for allergies to help reduce the impact on mental health.

Cross-reactivity occurs when the immune system reacts to a similar protein in a different substance than the allergen that originally triggered the reaction. For example, someone with a latex allergy may also experience an allergic reaction to certain foods that contain proteins similar to those in latex.

Yes, allergies can affect your sleep by causing congestion, sneezing, and itchiness. These symptoms can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, and may lead to daytime fatigue and decreased productivity. Treating your allergies can help improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

If you are pregnant and have allergies, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about safe treatment options. Some allergy medications may not be recommended during pregnancy, and allergen immunotherapy is usually not started during pregnancy. Avoiding allergens and keeping indoor spaces clean and free of dust and mold can also help reduce allergy symptoms.

Yes, allergies can be a trigger for asthma in some people. When an allergen is inhaled, it can cause inflammation in the airways and lead to asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Managing your allergies through medication and allergen avoidance can help reduce your risk of developing asthma.

If your child has allergies, it is important to work with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective. This may include medication, allergen avoidance, and allergen immunotherapy. It is also important to teach your child about their allergies and how to manage them, and to educate caregivers, such as teachers or daycare providers, about your child’s allergies and how to respond in case of an allergic reaction.

Yes, allergies can cause skin problems, such as hives or eczema. These skin reactions may be caused by direct contact with an allergen or by an allergic reaction elsewhere in the body. Treating the underlying allergy can help improve skin symptoms.

Yes, allergies can cause skin problems, such as hives or eczema. These skin reactions may be caused by direct contact with an allergen or by an allergic reaction elsewhere in the body. Treating the underlying allergy can help improve skin symptoms.

Yes, allergies can cause digestive problems, particularly in the case of food allergies. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Managing food allergies through allergen avoidance and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector in case of a severe allergic reaction can help prevent digestive problems.

The duration of allergy symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy and the severity of the reaction. Some allergies may cause symptoms that last for a few days, while others may cause symptoms that persist for weeks or months. If you are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about effective treatment options.

Yes, you can exercise with allergies, but it is important to take steps to manage your symptoms. This may include taking allergy medication before exercising, avoiding exercise outdoors during times when pollen counts are high, and carrying an inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector in case of an allergic reaction.