What causes sudden allergies in adults. How are seasonal and environmental allergies diagnosed. What are the most common adult-onset food allergies. How can you manage allergy symptoms effectively.

Understanding the Phenomenon of Adult-Onset Allergies

Many people are surprised to discover that allergies can develop at any stage of life, even in adulthood. This phenomenon, known as adult-onset allergies, can be both puzzling and disruptive. Dr. Rana Misiak, an allergist at Henry Ford Health, explains that “Seasonal and food allergies can start and stop at any time during your life.” This revelation often comes as a shock to those who have never experienced allergic reactions before.

Adult-onset allergies can manifest in various forms, from seasonal allergies that cause sneezing and congestion to food allergies that may result in more severe reactions. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for these sudden allergies is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life.

Common Triggers for Seasonal and Environmental Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, affect a significant portion of the American population. These allergies can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors:

• Grasses
• Pollen
• Trees
• Weeds

For those experiencing allergy symptoms year-round, environmental allergens may be the culprit:

• Dust
• Mold
• Pet dander

It’s important to note that some substances can produce allergy-like reactions without being true allergens. These irritants include:

• Perfumes or strong scents
• Chilly air
• Changes in weather
• Pollutants
• Smoke

Factors Contributing to the Development of Adult Allergies

Why do some adults suddenly develop allergies? While the exact reasons aren’t always clear, several factors can contribute to the onset of allergies in adulthood:

1. Environmental changes: Moving to a new area with different plants and trees can expose you to new allergens.
2. Lifestyle changes: Spending more time indoors, as many did during the pandemic, can increase exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites.
3. New pets: Adding a furry friend to your family can introduce pet dander into your environment.
4. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the immune system and potentially trigger allergies.
5. Weakened immune system: Certain illnesses or medications that suppress the immune system may make you more susceptible to developing allergies.

Diagnosing Seasonal and Environmental Allergies in Adults

If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice. An allergist can help determine whether your symptoms are due to allergies or other conditions like the flu or COVID-19.

To diagnose seasonal and environmental allergies, doctors typically use one of two main tests:

1. Scratch Test

How is a scratch test performed? A small needle containing a specific allergen is used to scratch the skin on your arm or back. If you’re allergic to that substance, your skin will become red or swollen within 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Blood Test

What does a blood test for allergies look for? This test analyzes a blood sample for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies linked to specific allergens.

It’s worth noting that a negative allergy test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not experiencing symptoms. Dr. Misiak explains, “Even if you have a normal allergy test, you can use that information to manage your exposure to other factors that may be causing your symptoms.”

Effective Management Strategies for Adult-Onset Allergies

Managing adult-onset allergies often involves a combination of reducing exposure to allergens and using appropriate medications. Here are some strategies to help manage your symptoms:

Reducing Allergen Exposure

• Use a dehumidifier or AC to lower humidity and reduce dust mites in your home
• Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower
• Use an air purifier to reduce pet dander
• Wash clothes and shower after being outside to remove allergens

Medication Options

If reducing exposure doesn’t provide sufficient relief, various medications can help manage allergy symptoms:

• Over-the-counter antihistamines: These can provide relief within hours
• Steroid nasal sprays: These typically offer relief within a few days
• Prescription allergy shots: These help build immunity to specific allergens over time

Your physician can help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.

Understanding Adult-Onset Food Allergies

Just like seasonal allergies, food allergies can develop at any age. While many children outgrow food allergies over time, adult-onset food allergies are typically permanent.

The most common adult-onset food allergies include:

• Fish and shellfish (such as shrimp and lobster)
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (including almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews)

What are the initial signs of a food allergy? The first symptoms often include swelling of the lips and tongue, itchiness, and hives, typically occurring within an hour of consuming the allergen.

The Impact of Adult-Onset Allergies on Quality of Life

Developing allergies as an adult can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Seasonal allergies can interfere with work, school, and daily activities, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery or itchy eyes. Food allergies can be even more disruptive, potentially requiring significant dietary changes and constant vigilance to avoid allergens.

How can adult-onset allergies affect mental health? The sudden onset of allergies can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression. It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience:

• Stress about potential allergic reactions
• Social anxiety related to explaining new dietary restrictions
• Frustration at having to change long-established habits or give up favorite foods
• Feelings of isolation, particularly if allergies limit social activities

It’s important to recognize these emotional impacts and seek support when needed. Many individuals find that joining support groups or speaking with a mental health professional can be helpful in coping with the challenges of adult-onset allergies.

The Role of the Immune System in Adult-Onset Allergies

To understand adult-onset allergies, it’s crucial to grasp how the immune system functions in allergic reactions. Why does the immune system suddenly react to substances it previously tolerated? The answer lies in the complex nature of our immune responses.

The immune system’s primary function is to protect the body from harmful substances. In allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance (like pollen or certain foods) as a threat. This triggers a cascade of responses, including the production of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).

What happens during an allergic reaction? When you’re exposed to an allergen:

1. The immune system produces specific IgE antibodies for that allergen.
2. These antibodies attach to immune cells called mast cells.
3. Upon subsequent exposure to the allergen, it binds to the IgE on the mast cells.
4. This binding causes the mast cells to release chemicals like histamine.
5. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms like inflammation, itching, and congestion.

In adult-onset allergies, this process begins later in life. Researchers are still studying why some adults suddenly develop this response to substances they’ve encountered many times before without issue.

Potential Factors Influencing Immune System Changes

Several factors may contribute to changes in immune system function that lead to adult-onset allergies:

• Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic tendency towards allergies that only manifests in adulthood.
• Cumulative exposure: Repeated exposure to an allergen over time may eventually trigger an allergic response.
• Environmental changes: Pollution, climate change, and other environmental factors may influence the immune system’s sensitivity.
• Microbiome alterations: Changes in gut bacteria composition may affect immune responses.
• Stress: Chronic stress can impact immune function and potentially contribute to the development of allergies.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Adult-Onset Allergies

As the prevalence of adult-onset allergies continues to rise, researchers are actively exploring new treatment options and working to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these conditions.

Immunotherapy Advancements

How is immunotherapy evolving to treat adult-onset allergies? Traditional allergy shots have been a mainstay of treatment for years, but new forms of immunotherapy are showing promise:

• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): This involves placing small doses of allergen under the tongue, either as drops or tablets. It’s been shown to be effective for certain allergies and can be administered at home.
• Epicutaneous immunotherapy: This method delivers small amounts of allergen through a patch on the skin. It’s currently being studied for food allergies.
• Oral immunotherapy: For food allergies, this involves consuming gradually increasing amounts of the allergen under medical supervision to build tolerance.

Biologics

What role do biologics play in allergy treatment? Biologic drugs target specific components of the immune system involved in allergic reactions. Several biologics have been approved for severe asthma and are being studied for other allergic conditions:

• Anti-IgE therapies: These drugs block IgE, the antibody responsible for allergic reactions.
• Anti-interleukin therapies: These target specific inflammatory molecules involved in allergic responses.

Microbiome Research

How might the microbiome influence adult-onset allergies? Growing evidence suggests that the communities of bacteria living in our bodies, particularly in the gut, play a crucial role in immune function. Researchers are exploring:

• Probiotics and prebiotics: These may help modulate the immune system and potentially prevent or treat allergies.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation: This experimental treatment involves transferring gut bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient, potentially resetting the immune system.

Genetic Research

Can genetic research help predict or prevent adult-onset allergies? Scientists are working to identify genetic markers associated with allergy risk. This could lead to:

• More personalized treatment approaches based on an individual’s genetic profile
• Early intervention strategies for those at high risk of developing allergies
• New drug targets based on a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of allergies

Living with Adult-Onset Allergies: Practical Tips and Lifestyle Adjustments

Adapting to life with adult-onset allergies can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a high quality of life.

Creating an Allergy-Friendly Home Environment

How can you reduce allergens in your living space? Consider these steps:

• Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters
• Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows
• Regularly wash bedding in hot water
• Keep pets out of bedrooms if you’re allergic to pet dander
• Remove carpets or vacuum them frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce mold growth

Navigating Social Situations with Food Allergies

How can adults with new food allergies manage social situations? Try these approaches:

• Communicate clearly with hosts about your allergies when invited to meals
• Offer to bring a dish you know is safe for you to eat
• Carry safe snacks with you in case suitable options aren’t available
• Learn to read food labels carefully
• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet for severe allergies

Managing Allergies in the Workplace

What steps can you take to manage allergies at work? Consider these strategies:

• Inform your employer and colleagues about your allergies
• Request accommodations if needed, such as a fragrance-free policy
• Keep allergy medications at your workspace
• Use a portable air purifier if allowed
• Be prepared with safe food options for work events

Traveling with Adult-Onset Allergies

How can you travel safely with new allergies? Follow these tips:

• Research your destination for potential allergen exposures
• Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your allergies and necessary medications
• Pack your own snacks for flights if you have food allergies
• Consider booking accommodations with kitchenettes for more control over food preparation
• Learn how to communicate about your allergies in the local language of your destination

Emotional Coping Strategies

How can you cope with the emotional impact of adult-onset allergies? Try these approaches:

• Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Seek counseling if you’re struggling to adjust to your new reality
• Focus on what you can control and try to maintain a positive outlook
• Educate yourself about your allergies to feel more empowered in managing them

Remember, while adult-onset allergies can be disruptive, they don’t have to define your life. With proper management, support, and a positive attitude, it’s possible to lead a full and active life despite these new challenges.

Suddenly Have Allergies As An Adult? Here’s What You Need To Know | Henry Ford Health

Are you suddenly sneezing on a spring day after never having allergies as a child? Have you always loved peanut butter but now break out in hives with even a small taste? According to Rana Misiak, M.D., an allergist at Henry Ford Health, it’s not unusual for adults to develop new allergies.

“Seasonal and food allergies can start and stop at any time during your life,” says Dr. Misiak. “The good news is that there are a variety of effective strategies and treatments to relieve allergy symptoms, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities.”

Here, Dr. Misiak discusses symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments for seasonal, environmental and food allergies.

Sneezing? Are Seasonal Allergies The Cause Or Is It Something Else?

Approximately 10-40% of Americans have seasonal allergies or hay fever. These allergies can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity. Each time you’re exposed to an allergen, your immune system triggers a cascade of responses. Allergies can interfere with your work, school and other daily activities as you experience symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing and watery or itchy eyes.

Some common culprits causing seasonal allergies include:

• Grasses
•  Pollen
• Trees
• Weeds

If you have allergy symptoms year-round, you could be reacting to environmental allergens such as:

• Dust
• Mold
• Pet dander

Or you may be reacting to an irritant. Irritants can produce allergy-like reactions, but they aren’t allergens. Common irritants include:

• Perfumes or strong scents
• Chilly air
• Changes in weather
• Pollutants
• Smoke

Wondering why you’re reacting to one or more of these allergens or irritants for the first time as an adult? “We don’t always know why these reactions appear. In some cases, we can trace them to a change in your environment,” says Dr. Misiak.

For example, you may have moved to a new area where you’re now exposed to plants and trees you haven’t encountered before. If you’re spending more time working at home during the pandemic, you may have been exposed to dust mites. Maybe you added a furry friend to your family, and you’re now surrounded by pet dander.

How Are Seasonal And Environmental Allergies Diagnosed And Treated?

If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, Dr. Misiak recommends seeing your physician or an allergist for a full evaluation. Your doctor can identify whether your symptoms are due to seasonal allergies, the flu or a virus like COVID-19.

You may have one of these tests to diagnose seasonal and environmental allergies:

• Scratch test: With this test, a small needle containing a specific allergen scratches the skin of your arm or back. If your skin is red or swollen after 15 to 20 minutes, you’re reacting to that allergen.
• Blood test: This test analyzes a blood sample for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE), antibodies linked to specific allergens.

A negative allergy test doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about symptoms you might be experiencing, says Dr. Misiak. “Even if you have a normal allergy test, you can use that information to manage your exposure to other factors that may be causing your symptoms. At the same time, you can get back to activities that you stopped for fear of an allergic reaction.”

If you do have seasonal or environmental allergies, manage your symptoms by reducing your exposure to allergens. You can take steps such as:

• Lowering the humidity with a dehumidifier or AC to reduce dust mites in your home
• Planning outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower
• Using an air purifier to reduce pet dander
• Washing clothes and showering after being outside

If you still aren’t finding relief, medications can help. Over-the-counter antihistamines can work within hours while steroid nasal sprays provide relief in a few days. Prescription allergy shots can help gradually build your immunity to specific allergens. To begin, shots are usually given weekly. Eventually, you can scale back to monthly doses for a few years to maintain your immunity.

Not sure what’s right for you? Your physician can help you find a treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

Can’t Eat Your Favorite Food? Is It A Food Allergy?

Just like seasonal allergies, food allergies can appear at any time. Many kids develop food allergies young but can potentially outgrow them over time. But if you develop a food allergy as an adult, it is unlikely that it will disappear.

The most common adult-onset food allergies are:

• Fish and shellfish (shrimp and lobster)
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews)

Some of the first signs of a food allergy are a swelling of the lips and tongue, itchiness and hives up to an hour after eating a specific food.

Don’t ignore a new reaction to a food you’ve eaten. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have suspicious symptoms after eating. Your doctor can perform blood and skin tests to diagnose or rule out food allergies. They can also help distinguish between a food allergy, food sensitivity and food intolerance.

In severe cases of food allergies, some people are at risk for developing anaphylaxis. This life-threatening condition triggers an immune reaction that dangerously lowers your blood pressure and narrows your airway. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Light headedness
• Rapid, weak pulse

People with food allergies are usually prescribed an EpiPen. This device delivers an injection of epinephrine to stop a dangerous immune reaction. You should always carry your EpiPen with you and be sure that friends and family know where it is.

Whether you’re concerned about seasonal, environmental or food allergies, take the necessary steps to improve your health. “Many of my patients are relieved once they have completed allergy testing,” says Dr. Misiak. “They’re empowered to take charge of their health and improve the quality of their life.”

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To make an appointment with a primary care physician or allergist, call 1-800-436-7936 or visit henryford.com.

Dr. Rana Misiak specializes in caring for patients with seasonal or food-related allergies and asthma. She sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Centers in Dearborn and Novi.

Adult Onset Allergies

Developing allergies as an adult is a fairly common phenomenon, but experts aren’t sure why some people are susceptible. Find out what you can do about sudden spring allergies or food allergies, and when it’s time to get an allergy test.

By Jennifer Acosta ScottMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Reviewed: February 5, 2013

Medically Reviewed

If you’ve never had a problem with pollen before, you might not realize when spring comes around that your sudden bouts of sneezing and watery eyes could be due to spring allergy symptoms. But it is possible to acquire seasonal allergies, food allergies, or other types of allergies as an adult with no prior history of them, says W. Edward Davis, III, MD, an allergist at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.

“It’s fairly common,” says Dr. Davis. “I’ve even had 85-year-olds walk into my office with allergic rhinitis or hay fever. It’s unusual, but I’ve seen it.”

Most people who develop adult-onset allergies usually do so in their twenties and thirties, though it’s possible to develop them at any age, Davis says. Allergic reactions happen when the body comes into contact with a specific substance, such as a food or an airborne particle, that it mistakenly identifies as harmful. Your body then produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, that attach themselves to certain cells, causing the cells to release a chemical called histamine. The histamine in turn causes inflammation, producing classic seasonal allergy symptoms, like red, watery eyes, and itching. Severe reactions to environmental and food allergies can cause a drop in blood pressure, and anaphylactic shock may occur.

“Immunoglobulin E fights off infections,” Davis says. “It’s a good thing to have. But in about one in five people, too much IgE is misdirected against an allergen rather than something harmful. The body just makes a mistake.”

Unraveling the Adult Allergy Mystery

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes the body to react to an allergen after many years of uneventful contact with it. Many times, Davis says, something in the patient’s environment has changed that causes them to be exposed to a substance that they did not previously come into contact with very often.

“Say someone has a tendency toward allergies; for example, a person might get married and their spouse has cats,” Davis says. “Cat dander is a very, very strong allergen. If you’ve never had indoor exposure to cats, it’s very possible for you to develop an allergy to them. ” Another example is moving to a new state, where more allergens like ragweed and cedar pollen may be present in the air, and suddenly you develop seasonal allergy symptoms.

One theory scientists have about allergy causes is called the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests that the highly clean environments of most Westerners can cause their immune systems to overreact to harmless things like pet dander and peanuts. However, there is not enough scientific evidence in existence yet to use this theory as a basis for prevention or treatment of allergies.

When to Consider an Allergy Test

If you suspect that you have developed seasonal or food allergies in adulthood, consult your family doctor or an allergist while you avoid the substances or foods you suspect. There are many allergy tests available to confirm a diagnosis, such as a blood test to check for the presence of specific forms of IgE. Another type of diagnostic tool is skin testing, in which a small amount of an allergen is applied to your skin to check for a reaction.

In the case of suspected food allergies, you might try an elimination diet, in which you eliminate certain foods from your diet and then slowly reintroduce them, one at a time, to see if a reaction occurs, but make sure you talk with your doctor first.

If an allergy diagnosis is confirmed, many therapies are available to eliminate or reduce symptoms. People with severe food allergies generally must avoid the foods in question and carry injectable epinephrine in case of accidental exposure. People with seasonal or other allergies can use a variety of medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, and in some cases may respond well to allergy shots, which increase a person’s tolerance to certain allergens. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.

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Allergy – causes, symptoms and treatment

Contents of the article

1. Symptoms and signs
2. Causes and risk factors
3. Complications
4. When to see a doctor
5. Preparing for a doctor’s visit
6. Diagnosis of allergies in adults and children
7. Treatment
8. Medicinal products
9. Home remedies
10. Myths and dangerous misconceptions in the treatment of allergies
11. Prophylaxis
12. How to make an appointment with an allergist

Allergy is a state of the body in which the immune system sees a threat in substances that do not actually pose a danger to humans. The immune system considers them antigens, so it begins to produce antibodies against them. During this period, a person begins to feel that the body is fighting the disease, which is manifested by unpleasant symptoms.

In reality, there are no real pathogens. Such an increased sensitivity of the body to certain substances (allergens) is called an allergy.

Symptoms and signs

Allergic reactions can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Moreover, depending on the allergen, a person may show different symptoms. Main symptoms:

• allergy to animals. It is easy to install when, upon contact with pets, the eyes turn red and tears flow, a runny nose or dry cough begins. Allergies to cats and dogs can also cause redness and itching of the skin;
• food allergy. Causes redness and thickening of the skin, which are accompanied by itching. Sometimes there is conjunctivitis or a runny nose. Allergy on the skin manifests itself in the form of dermatitis. When inhaled vapors or particles of allergens, the respiratory system is affected;
• Allergic to flowering. Pollen causes allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, wheezing and dry cough, itching of the tongue and palate;
• drug allergy. It can be manifested by urticaria, attacks of bronchial asthma, allergic dermatitis, Quincke’s edema. Allergy spots increase over time. From small ones they can merge into large ones.

Similar symptoms can occur with allergies to protein, cold or dust, or insect bites.

Causes and risk factors

Modern medicine does not give the exact causes of allergies in adults and children. The main role in the mechanism of its occurrence is assigned to genetics. If one of the parents has it, then the child will have it with a 30% probability, if both have it, with a 70%. Severe allergies during pregnancy can develop due to a decrease in immunity.

Doctors only cite risk factors that trigger the pathological process. Such factors include:

• unbalanced diet;
• severe stress;
• overuse of drugs;
• unfavorable ecology;
• frequent respiratory tract infections: tonsillitis, bronchitis, rhinitis;
• the presence of large amounts of household allergens;
• artificial feeding, including premature transfer to it.

If you take measures against risk factors, you can reduce the risk of developing allergic reactions.

Complications

In children and adults, allergy symptoms can provoke multiple complications. Among them, the most dangerous are:

• anaphylactic shock;
• acute vascular insufficiency;
• convulsions;
• nausea and dizziness;
• Quincke’s edema.

In severe cases, anaphylactic shock and Quincke’s edema can be fatal. In atopic dermatitis, against the background of skin allergies, other skin diseases, including mycosis and herpes, often join.

When the symptoms are in the eyes, corneal hypertrophy may develop due to their frequent friction. It limits a person’s vision. Approximately half of the children who suffered from skin allergies in childhood may develop bronchial asthma in adulthood.

When to see a doctor

If you have symptoms of an allergy, you should contact an allergist. Do not ignore its signs, since an allergic reaction can cause serious complications. If the symptoms have been observed for more than a month or appear regularly, a visit to a specialist is required. Experienced allergists work at JSC “Medicina” (clinic of academician Roitberg) in the center of Moscow, who will find out the cause of the unpleasant condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

It is worth contacting an allergist, even if a person does not yet know what an allergy looks like, but he has a predisposition to it, for example, hereditary. This will allow you to identify possible allergens in advance and take measures to prevent the development of a reaction to them.

Preparing for a doctor’s visit

At the appointment, the allergist clarifies with the patient about the symptoms and what preceded their appearance. Therefore, in preparation for the reception, it is necessary to consider and even write down what signs appear and in what situations.

This will allow the doctor to guess the type of allergen that is causing the negative reaction. Even at the appointment, the allergist will examine the skin, so it is better to wear clothes with which it will be easy to provide access to the foci of inflammation on the skin.

Diagnosis of allergies in adults and children

JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) in the center of Moscow has all the necessary diagnostic methods. We use advanced techniques and modern technical equipment. Therapeutic procedures can be carried out both on an outpatient basis and in a hospital.

First of all, the doctor draws on the diagnostic signs of allergies on the face and other areas, as well as mucous membranes. Subjective complaints of the patient are also taken into account. To confirm the diagnosis appoint:

• allergen test. Also called a breakdown, it plays an important role in diagnosis. Tests are carried out at the stage of remission. To do this, a drop of a solution with a small amount of allergen is applied to the skin, after which the reaction is monitored;
• allergy blood test. Changes are also noted in the blood: an increase in eosinophils, immunoglobulins E;
• analysis for specific antibodies, for example, to a parasitic disease, infection or dust.

Treatment

The main treatment for allergies is to follow a special diet. This is what allows you to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and minimize the risk of relapse. A diet for allergies is observed for life, since this disease is chronic. It requires the complete exclusion from the diet of those foods that provoke the occurrence of its symptoms. There are 2 types of diet:

• specific. It is prescribed for patients in whom allergens have been identified in the laboratory, for example, milk, eggs, protein, chocolate, etc. – here the diet will be individual for each person;
• non-specific. Observed when a specific allergen has not been identified. Since the symptom provocateur is not found, all potential provocateurs of food allergies must be excluded from the diet.

On a non-specific diet, the patient is additionally recommended to keep a food diary. It is necessary to record the food consumed daily and the reaction that occurs to it. In this way, the patient will gradually be able to identify food allergens on their own.

Additionally, other methods of treatment are practiced today:

• intravenous laser blood irradiation. Gives immunostrengthening and anti-inflammatory effects;
• allergen-specific immunotherapy. An allergen is introduced into the body, the dose of which is gradually increased in order to reduce the sensitivity of the body to it.

Medicines

In the acute period of allergic reactions, the patient is prescribed pharmacological drugs. Basically, these are drugs with antihistamine action. In mild cases, they are prescribed in tablet form, and in more severe cases, in injection form, which is distinguished by a faster effect.

Allergy medications can also be used one-time when a person has accidentally eaten a food allergen. This will help relieve the symptoms of the disease. Allergy remedies also include various nasal sprays with a vasoconstrictive effect. They help reduce swelling of the mucosa and get rid of congestion. But in order to avoid addiction, they can be used no longer than 5-7 days.

In severe cases, hormonal corticosteroids are used. A good effect is given by sorbents that bind and remove toxins and allergens from the body, which reduces the severity of an allergic reaction.

Home remedies

Talk to your doctor about using home remedies for allergies. Otherwise, you can only worsen the situation and aggravate the symptoms. At home, the following tools are widely used:

• nasal saline solution. For 1 st. water take 1 tsp. salt. The resulting solution is washed with the nose in the morning and evening. It helps with hay fever;
• Pepper heel essential oil. It can be used for topical application, but only after dilution. It is also useful to inhale oil vapors, especially with bronchial asthma;
• inhalation over hot water. They help ease breathing and clear mucus from the nose. Essential oils or herbal infusions can be added to the water. Particularly preferred is eucalyptus essential oil, which has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.

Myths and dangerous misconceptions in the treatment of allergies

One of the widespread myths is that if you violate the rules of allergy treatment once and eat an allergenic product, then the reaction to it will not occur, and if you eat it often, it will accumulate and manifest itself. In fact, it will occur every time. That is why contact with the allergen should be excluded completely.

Prevention

Compliance with the rules of prevention is relevant for those who are at risk of developing allergic reactions. The main preventive measures include:

• adherence to a hypoallergenic lifestyle with limited contact with allergens, regular ventilation and reduction of household chemicals;
• adherence to a hypoallergenic diet that excludes food allergens;
• Avoiding and reducing contact with animals4
• use of respiratory masks during flowering.

How to make an appointment with an allergist? To do this, use the online form on the website or call the contact number. The clinic is very easy to get to as it is located in the center of Moscow, close to Chekhovskaya, Tverskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya and Belorusskaya stations.

How do I know if I have an allergy?

What is an allergy?

First of all, you should understand what types of allergies are. We’ve rounded up a few of the most common.

1. Hay fever. Allergy to plant pollen is a serious problem, because it is almost impossible to limit the patient’s contact with the allergen when spring is around and everything is in bloom. Of course, there are those who can afford to leave for the time of flowering plants. But how many of us are so lucky? Those who are forced to remain in place will have to choose between enduring or undergoing treatment so that they no longer suffer from allergy attacks and enjoy the spring.

2. Allergy to animals (epidermal). One of the most common. In those who suffer from this type of allergy, the symptoms worsen in response to irritants of epidermal origin: feathers, wool, dander, and even animal body fluids. Do not think that allergies can only be cats or dogs. Any animal, even cockroaches, becomes a source of allergens. The decision not to get a pet seems to be successful only at first glance, because allergies can overtake anywhere – at a party and even on the street. But there is good news – modern diagnostic methods allow you to accurately identify a specific allergen and conduct effective treatment.

3. Household allergies. Dust, mold, household chemicals – all this can cause an allergic reaction. An attack of the disease can be provoked not only by staying indoors, but even by a light breeze that bursts into an open window and raises dust under a closet or behind a sofa. This type of allergy requires treatment, as it leads to a number of serious complications: from the growth of adenoids to atrophy of the nasal mucosa and complete loss of smell.

4. Food allergy. One of the most insidious types of allergies. Absolutely any product can become an allergen, so a person with this disease needs to know exactly which irritant causes a negative reaction in the body.

How does it manifest itself?

Allergy symptoms are varied. That is why it is so easy to confuse it with other diseases. Among the most frequent manifestations of an allergic reaction: runny nose, watery eyes, skin rashes, sore throat and cough, asthma attacks, etc.

Symptoms of a food allergy, in addition to those typical of an allergic reaction, are constipation or diarrhea, abdominal cramps and colic, nausea and vomiting.

How is allergy diagnosed?

The only sure way to determine if a person has hypersensitivity to a particular allergen is an analysis. Conventionally, allergy tests can be divided into two groups:

Can allergies be treated?

Fortunately, there are effective treatments for allergies today. Among them, it is especially worth highlighting allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). This is a kind of “training” of the body for exposure to allergens.

This method is based on the introduction of an allergen into the body with a gradual increase in its dosage. As a result, the immune system simply stops responding to the irritant, and allergy symptoms disappear.