Question 1

what are allergies?

Accepted Answer

See detail: Allergies are caused when a person makes an allergic antibody known as immunoglobulin e against a protein.  This protein can be a food, pollen, mold, or medication.  Allergic reactions can cause itching, swelling, redness in eyes, nasal passages, skin, GI tract, and in the lungs.

Question 2

symptoms of allergies?

Accepted Answer

Allergy symptoms: Allergies can cause a large variety of symptoms: most common is hay fever (molds, dust, pollen) with watery runny nose, watery eyes & itching, nasal itch, sneezing, and congestion. Plant/tree/grass allergies can cause eczema, a skin rash, as can food allergies. Aerosolized allergens (pet dander, pollen, etc.) can cause asthma with chest tightness and wheezing.

Question 3

are allergies inherited?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Yes, we do see allergies in families. Your risk of allergies increases if one parent has allergies, and is even higher if both parents suffer from allergies. Interestingly, we are seeing that exposure to allergens may also play a part in the development of allergies in children. Rural areas, with high levels of plant and animal allergens, actually have lower levels of allergic disease in kids.

Question 4

can i outgrow my allergies?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is possible to outgrow any allergy, though some are more likely than others.

Question 5

how can i stop my allergies?

Accepted Answer

Avoid and treat: You can often lessen symptoms with avoidance and medications. To certain allergens you can greatly lessen sensitivity with specific allergen immunotherapy. You can lessen all ige mediated reactions with Omalizumab (xolair). As allergists we usually recommend various combinations of these depending on severity and duration of symptoms as well as comorbidities (other medical problems).

Question 6

do abnormal allergies exist?

Accepted Answer

Not sure.: Allergy seems pretty abnormal in and of itself.  Not sure what is an abnormal allergy.

Question 7

can cat allergies be serious?

Accepted Answer

Yes: See an allergist for testing, as well as to determine what medications are needed to treat your cat allergies. Allergy shots can also be extremely effective if you are allergic to cats.

Question 8

how common are dog allergies?

Accepted Answer

Common: Allergic rhinitis including allergy to dogs is common, affecting 10-30% of people in the U.S. Rates seems to be increasing over time, particularly in urban areas.These statistic include all allergy sufferers (trees, grass, weeds, dust mites, molds, cats, dogs, etc). I don't have rates for dog allergy sufferers specifically.

Question 9

should i worry about allergies?

Accepted Answer

If too many symptoms: Hay fever (allergies) is usually due to pollens that are in the air. Some people are allergic to molds and other substances. One can wear a mask when working outdoors or when hiking. Avoid playing outdoors when the pollen or smog levels are high. Medicines such as Claritin otc, zyrtec otc, or prescription eye drops and nasal steroid sprays are helpful. Allergy shots are another option.

Question 10

ragweed allergies, how to deal?

Accepted Answer

Meds, Avoidance: Ragweed allergy presents with congestion, running, itching (eyes and nose), and post-nasal drip (season from August to first frost). See an Allergist in order to confirm suspicion. Intranasal steroid sprays and non-sedating antihistamines can be helpful as well as avoidance measures (keeping car and house windows close, avoid high pollen counts). Also allergy shots or new sublingual tablets.

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