Key Points

• Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to harmless substances.

• Allergies can affect various body parts, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, swelling, hives, and even anaphylaxis.

• Types of allergy tests include skin tests and blood tests, with skin tests being the preferred method for accuracy.

What Are Common Allergies?

Allergies occur when our immune system mistakenly reacts to a harmless substance. For example, different allergens such as food, insects, medication, dust, smoke, and animal dander can cause these reactions. Therefore, knowing the various types of allergies is crucial to ensure we prevent and treat them correctly.

Allergens are substances that trigger allergies. These may include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods, insect bites, medicines, latex, mold, and household chemicals. In most people, these substances usually cause no reaction. However, for those who are allergic, exposure can lead to uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergies?

Allergies can affect different parts of the body, including the airways, sinuses, lungs, skin, and digestive system. The type of allergen often determines the symptoms you may experience.

To make this clearer, here are some common allergy types and their associated symptoms:

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) may cause sneezing, itching of the nose, eyes, or mouth, a runny or stuffy nose, and watery, swollen eyes.

• Food allergies may cause tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips or throat, hives, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

• Insect sting allergies may result in large swelling at the sting site, widespread hives, coughing, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.

• Drug allergies may cause hives, rashes, facial swelling, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.

• Atopic dermatitis (allergic skin condition) may cause itchy, red, or flaky skin, hives, or swelling, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis.

Recognizing Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. Because it develops quickly, it is imperative to recognize the warning signs early. These may include:

• Loss of consciousness

• Drop in blood pressure

• Severe shortness of breath

• Rash or hives

• Lightheadedness

• Rapid, weak pulse

• Nausea and vomiting

If you or someone near you experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

What Is an Allergy Test?

Allergy testing plays a crucial role in identifying the substances responsible for allergic reactions. By pinpointing the exact triggers, allergists can create effective treatment and prevention plans.

What Types of Allergy Tests Are Available?

There are two main types of allergy tests:

1. Skin Tests – The most accurate method.

   • Skin prick test: A drop of suspected allergen is placed on the skin, usually the forearm, and pricked with a tiny needle. Redness or swelling shows a reaction.

   • Skin injection test: If results are unclear, the allergen is injected just under the skin to confirm findings.

2. Blood Tests – Less accurate and more likely to produce false positives, but sometimes necessary when skin tests aren’t an option.

Where Can I Be Treated for Allergies?

If you need allergy testing or treatment, visit DOC-AID Urgent Care. You can schedule an appointment or use our Telehealth service anywhere in Texas. With both options available, we make it easier to receive compassionate and effective care.