Allergies

What are allergies?

• Allergies are when your immune system attacks certain substances called allergens. Your immune system protects your body from germs and other things that can make you sick. When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system attacks substances that usually do not make you sick.
  
  
• Allergic reactions can happen at any time, even in people who have not had allergies before. You may not have an allergic reaction the first time you are exposed to an allergen. You may develop an allergy after you have been exposed more than once. Allergies can affect your eyes, nose, mouth, throat, skin, or internal organs. Treatment may help reduce your symptoms. Serious allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

What causes allergies?

Allergies are triggered by allergens. You may have allergies at certain times of the year or all year around. You can be exposed to allergens by breathing them in (airborne) or absorbing them through your skin (contact). You also may be exposed when you are stung by an insect.

• Seasonal airborne allergies: Seasonal allergies happen during certain times of the year. This is also called hay fever. Tree, weed, or grass pollen are examples of allergens that you breathe in.
  
  
• Environmental airborne allergies: Examples of allergens you may breathe in year-round are dust, mold, or pet hair.
  
  
• Contact allergies: A common contact allergen is latex, found in condoms, gloves, and other medical equipment. Latex allergies can be very serious.
  
  
• Insect sting allergies: Bees, hornets, fire ants, or other insects may sting you and cause allergic reactions. These can be very serious.

What increases my risk for allergies?

• Family history: You may be more likely to have allergies if you have a family member with allergies.
  
  
• History of other allergies: If you are allergic to one thing, you are more likely to become allergic to other things.
  
  
• Medical conditions: Medical conditions, such as asthma, may increase your risk of an allergic reaction.
  
  
• Age: Allergic reactions are more common in children and the elderly.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergies?

Your signs and symptoms may be different based on what allergens bother you. Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing and runny, itchy, or stuffy nose.
  
  
• Swollen, watery, or itchy eyes.
  
  
• Itchy mouth, ears, or throat.
  
  
• Fatigue (feeling very tired).
  
  
• Swelling, pain, or itch at the site of an insect sting.
  
  
• Swelling of hands or face.
  
  
• Itchy skin or hives (red bumps on your skin).

How are allergies diagnosed?

Your caregiver will ask about your signs and symptoms. He will ask what allergens you have been exposed to and if you have ever had other allergic reactions. Your caregiver may look in your nose, ears, or throat. You may also have the following tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body reacts to allergens.
  
  
• Nasal tests: Caregivers may swab inside your nose to get a sample of your nasal fluid. This can tell them how your nasal passages react to allergens.
  
  
• Skin tests: Skin tests can help your caregiver find out what you are allergic to. He may place a small amount of allergen on your arm or back then gently prick your skin with a needle. Your caregiver watches how your skin reacts to the allergen. Ask your caregiver for more information about skin tests.

How are allergies treated?

Treatment will depend on what causes your allergies and what your symptoms are. Common treatments include the following:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Epinephrine: This is a hormone (body chemical) that is used to slow a serious allergic reaction. You can give yourself a shot of epinephrine. If you have had a serious allergic reaction before, you may want to carry epinephrine with you at all times. This medicine can save your life. Talk to your caregiver about getting this medicine.
    
    
  • Antihistamines: These medicines may help decrease itching, sneezing, and swelling. You may take them by mouth or use drops in your nose or eyes.
    
    
  • Decongestants: These medicines may help your nose feel less stuffy.
    
    
  • Steroids: Caregivers may give you steroids as a pill, as a shot, or to inhale. Steroid medicine can help to decrease redness and swelling. Steroid medicine may help you breathe easier.
    
    
  • Topical treatments: You may be given medicine to put directly on your skin to help decrease itching or swelling. Cold cloths or ice may also help your skin feel better. You also may be given nasal sprays or eye drops.
  
  
• Desensitization: This treatment gets your body used to allergens you cannot avoid. Your caregiver will give you a shot that has a small amount of an allergen in it. He will watch you closely and treat any allergic reaction you have. He will give you more of the allergen a little at a time until your body gets used to it. Your reaction to the allergen may be less serious after this treatment. Your caregiver will tell you how long to get the shots.

How can I manage my allergies?

• Use nasal rinses: Caregivers may suggest that you rinse your nasal passages with a saline solution. Daily rinsing may help clear your nose of allergens.
  
  
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, you should quit. Your allergy symptoms may decrease if you are not around smoke.

How can I avoid allergies?

The best way to prevent an allergy attack is to stay away from allergens.

• Seasonal allergies: Do not go outside when pollen counts are high. Your symptoms may be better if you go outside only in the morning or evening. Use your air conditioner, and change air filters often.
  
  
• Dust, fur, or mold allergies: Dust and vacuum your home often. You may want to wear a mask when you do so. Keep pets in certain rooms, and bathe them often. Use a dehumidifier (machine that decreases moisture) to help prevent mold.
  
  
• Latex allergies: Do not use products with latex in them. Be careful if you work in healthcare or in food preparation. Always tell healthcare providers about a latex allergy.
  
  
• Insect stings: Stay away from areas or activities that increase your risk for being stung. These include trash cans, gardening, and picnics. Do not wear bright clothing or strong scents when you will be outside.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek care right away or call 911 if you have trouble breathing. The symptoms of anaphylaxis may happen very fast. If you have had an anaphylactic reaction before, carry epinephrine with you. You also may want to wear a medical alert bracelet. Ask your caregiver for more information about anaphylaxis.

What are the risks of allergies?

• If you have had a mild reaction in the past, you may have a more serious reaction if you are exposed to the allergen again. You may be at risk for developing asthma if you have allergies. You may have an anaphylactic reaction, which can be life-threatening even if treated.
  
  
• Medicines used to treat allergies may keep you awake or make you nervous. They also may make you sleepy or make it hard to focus. Epinephrine may make your heart beat fast or make you sick to your stomach. It may not work for some people. You may have a serious or life-threatening reaction during a skin test or desensitization.
  
  
• Allergies may keep you from enjoying your daily activities if you do not get treatment. You may have trouble sleeping. Dry or irritated nasal passages may cause a bloody nose. If you do not treat nasal symptoms, you may have long-term damage to your lungs, nose, and ears. You may not be able to hear as well. You may also lose your sense of taste or smell.

Where can I find more information?

Contact the following:

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
  555 E. Wells St, Suite 1100
  Milwaukee , WI 53202-3823
  Phone: 1- 800 - 822-2762
  Web Address: http://www.aaaai.org
  

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1000
  Landover , MD 20785
  Phone: 1- 800 - 727-8462
  Web Address: http://aafa.org
  

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• You have tingling in your hands or feet.
  
  
• Your skin is red or flushed.
  
  
• You have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have trouble swallowing or your throat or tongue is swollen.
  
  
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You feel dizzy or faint.
  
  
• You have chest pain or your heart is fluttering.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.