Allergies

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a benign substance, like pet dander, pollen, or dust, as a harmful, potentially life-threatening invader. Inhalant allergies, which are triggered by airborne irritants, can be especially challenging.

Exposure to an allergen triggers the production of antibodies, which are proteins that help identify and neutralize viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The production of these antibodies initiates an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions vary in severity. For some people, they cause minor symptoms like itchy skin or watery eyes. For others, allergens trigger a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Common symptoms of allergies and include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or runny nose
• Watery, red, or swollen eyes
• Swelling of the lips, cheeks, and face
• Hives
• Rashes
• Diarrhea and stomach cramps
• Itchy skin

Severe allergic reactions can trigger more severe symptoms, including loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, and lightheadedness.

When should I visit a doctor regarding allergies?

Many minor allergic reactions respond well to over-the-counter medication. If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or they get progressively worse, contact the team at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, right away.

How are allergies diagnosed?

To diagnose both contact allergies and inhalant allergies, your doctor asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, reviews your health history, and conducts a physical. If these steps don't provide enough insight, they might also order additional tests, including:

Skin test

During a skin test, your doctor exposes a small patch of your skin to proteins found in potential allergens. If you're allergic to a particular substance, your skin turns red and swells up.

Blood test

A blood test involves laboratory screening that measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream. The laboratory assesses your sample for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

How are allergies treated?

Treatment of allergies depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Your treatment also depends on whether you're experiencing an allergy such as contact dermatitis or an inhalant allergy from airborne triggers.

The team at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, offers state of the art treatments for various allergies. If you're struggling with an inhalant allergic disease of the upper airway, the team has successfully helped patients with sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapies and biologics.

Don't let allergies affect your daily routine or quality of life. Request a consultation at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, by calling the office or booking online.