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

what is an allergy?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal reaction: An allergy is an abnormal, incorrect reaction of the immune system against substances we are exposed to in our environment.  This includes environmental exposures, foods, drugs, etc.
Allergies must be differentiated from other reactions not mediated specifically through the immune system including irritants, intolerance, etc. In general, allergy involves the respiratory tract, skin, or GI system.

Question 3

what causes allergy?

Accepted Answer

Immune reaction: Your immune system normally makes igg antibodies that recognize foreign proteins.  In patients with allergy, the immune system switches to making a ige antibodies for certain proteins.  The ige antibodies act as a detector of the specific protein that they are made to react with and trigger the allergic response when they come in contact with that protein.

Question 4

can allergy be cured?

Accepted Answer

Controlled: Allergy can be controlled with avoidance of known sources of allergy (pets, pollen, etc), medication taken consistently, and perhaps allergy shots. However we are not able to "cure allergy" but these measures help restore a good quality of life.

Question 5

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 6

can allergy be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The most important treatment for allergies is identification and avoidance as possible.  For environmental allergies, new generation antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and allergy injections are current standard of care.  Food allergy treatment is avoidance and Epinephrine in case of an accidental exposure.  Research is being done on food oral desensitization, but not yet ready for "prime time".

Question 7

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 8

how can i help allergies?

Accepted Answer

See below: See your docto.  He/she can provide relief from your allergies.

Question 9

what is a popular allergy?

Accepted Answer

Common???: One of the most common allergens (things humans are allergic to) are dust mites, cat and dog dander, and various pollens.

Question 10

what are allergy muddlers?

Accepted Answer

Allergy Muddlers: Allergy muddlers isn't an actual medical term. My understanding is that it is people who have allergies (like hayfever or dust) whose symptoms get in the way of their lives.  They may have stuffed up noses, itchy eyes or painful sinuses.

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