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An allergy is your body’s immune response to a foreign substance that you eat, inhale, touch, or inject into your body.

These forgein substances are called allergens and they cause a variety of reactions depending on the type of allergen and the body part(s) affected.

Some of the most common reactions include:

  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Sneezing and runny nose
  • Scratchy throat
  • Itchy eyes
  • Rash
  • Hives

In more severe cases, an allergic reaction could cause trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and even death.

Seasonal allergies, that are mainly caused by airborne allergens, affect millions of adults and children each year. Many people seek medical treatments for allergies caused by these common allergens:

Spring allergies:
Trees and grasses

Summer allergies:
Grasses, weeds, agricultural allergens

Fall allergies:
Weeds and molds

Winter/All Season Allergies:
Dust Mites, molds, animal dander

Many common allergens are particularly hard to avoid because they are widespread in the outside world. It is important to be aware of the substances that may be causing your allergic reaction(s) so that you can avoid them as best you can. Some of the most common allergens include:

Pollen

Pollen is yielded by a wide variety of weeds, flowers, plants, and trees. It easily floats through the air and lands on any number of surfaces, especially during the warmer months like spring and summer.

Exposure to pollen can cause sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny nose and eyes. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction to pollen is to limit your time outdoors, and try to stay away from vegetation that is actively pollinating.

Mold

Like pollen, mold is a widespread allergen that is commonly found in the air, both indoors and outdoors. Mold thrives on moisture and is often found in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and other places that may have been exposed to a water leak. Making sure that these types of rooms are well ventilated and getting any water leaks properly treated by professionals is the best way to reduce or prevent allergic reactions to mold.

Food

If you are allergic to a particular food, a reaction will usually develop within minutes of eating it. You may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and swelling.

Some foods that people are most commonly allergic to include peanuts, dairy products, and seafood. There are many more and some cause more severe reactions than others. It is best to avoid consuming the foods that you are allergic to and find suitable alternative ingredients for cooking. If you have an allergic reaction to food but don’t know what the cause is, an elimination diet can help you pinpoint the particular food that is causing the trouble.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are one of the most common indoor allergens. They are microscopic and tend to latch onto cloth surfaces, such as bedding, drapes, etc. The best way to avoid allergic reactions to dust mites is to keep a clean, dust-free home. Using a good quality HEPA vacuum can reduce the amount of dust and other allergens in your house, which is especially important if you are prone to allergies or have other respiratory problems.

At Mowery Clinic, our allergy and immunology specialist is an expert at treating all types of allergies. Please contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with our allergy and immunology provider, Dr. Benjamin Rahoy.

Providing Comprehensive Care for Patients Since 1934

Request an appointment today.

(785) 827-7261

Providing Comprehensive Care for Patients Since 1934

Request an appointment today.

(785) 827-7261