5 Types of Allergens To watch out

Allergies are very interesting. You will not know you are allergic to something until you try it for the first time. You may have an allergy if you are exposed to something and feel shortness of breath, have a runny nose, or have watery eyes. That means you should avoid your allergen, or your symptoms may worsen. If you need help understanding or treating allergies, it is advisable you reach out to an allergist Surprise, AZ. At this point, you may be curious about the different forms of allergens. Worry or not, because here are five of them below.

Egg Allergy

This allergic reaction usually occurs 15 minutes or 2 hours later after eating eggs or foods with them. Its symptoms usually include nausea, chest tightness, nasal congestion, and skin inflammation. In severe instances, it can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency. Its symptoms include cramping, rapid pulse, and constriction of your airways.

It is easy to avoid this allergen by avoiding eggs but still, some food products will have it. Before purchasing any food item, check whether it has eggs. Some products that usually contain them include crackers, ice cream, pretzels, marshmallows, etc.

Milk Allergy

This allergy can affect anyone but commonly affects children under 16. Some kids outgrow it, but others do not. Its immediate symptoms include vomiting, stomach upsets, hives, and bloody stools. Like the previous allergen, it can also become life-threatening.

Some people with this allergen know they should avoid dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and butter. However, they may need to be made aware of other products that contain milk, such as protein powders, casein, whey, and chocolates. Like with the previous allergen, always check the label.

Pollen Allergy

Although all trees release pollen, some release more of it than others. Such trees include oak, birch, and juniper. People with this allergy will have symptoms such as decreased sense of smell, sinus pressure, coughing, watery eyes, and sore throats.

There are several things you can do to avoid getting this condition. First, you should regularly vacuum your surroundings with vacuum cleaners that contain high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Next, you should flush pollen from your nose with a neti pot. Lastly, dry your clothes in a dryer rather than out in the sun.

Insect Sting Allergy

Any ordinary person stung by an insect should experience pain, redness, and swelling. However, if you soon experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, and abdominal cramping, it means you are allergic to stings.

The only way to prevent this allergen is to avoid being stung. When you go outdoors, do not wear bright colors and strong perfumes since they will attract insects. Also, wear protective clothing while you are at it.

Chemical Allergy

This allergic reaction affects people who use personal care products and cosmetics. That means they can react to formaldehyde resin in nail care products, fragrances in soaps and colognes, or preservatives. Such people develop scaly patches, red skin, itchiness, and swellings on the face and genital area.

As soon as you are exposed to these substances, you should immediately wash your skin with soap and water. If your symptoms are mild, you can take antihistamines.

Allergies can be dangerous, but thankfully your doctor can save your life. They may prescribe prescription medications in the form of pills or eye drops. If medications do not work, they can also treat your symptoms through immunotherapy. The procedure involves a series of injections that have purified allergen extracts.

Since it is quite expensive and mentally draining to go to the hospital, you should avoid your allergen as much as possible. You can go outdoors only when necessary and wear face masks when you do. Also, you can ask a friend to help you avoid your allergens.

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