All you need to know about Allergies
Your immune system fights harmful pathogens by attacking and killing them. Allergy is the immune system’s exaggerated response to certain environmental substances that are not harmful. Allergens are foreign substances such as pollen, pet dander, or drugs that can cause severe allergies.
Generally, you do not experience a reaction when your body encounters an allergen for the first time. However, on subsequent encounters, the immune system recognizes such materials and attacks them. To fight such allergens, your body prepares and releases antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) in self-defense. In addition, the symptoms of allergies majorly depend on the type and source of allergens.
Types Of Allergies
- Food allergies- A food allergy is responsible for tingling in the nose, throat, and mouth. In addition, runny nose, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (redness and swelling of eyes), and skin inflammation are the symptoms associated with it.
- Seasonal allergies- You must have noticed that some people develop reactions such as cold, nasal congestion, running nose, or watery eyes seasonally. Such allergic reactions occur in particular seasons.
- Severe allergies- When allergies take an ugly turn, they can become life-threatening. Light-headedness, mental confusion, difficulty in breathing, and loss of consciousness are some of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Symptoms Of Allergies
Allergic rhinitis- It is also known as hay fever. It causes inflammation of living tissues of the nose, ears, sinuses, and throats. Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy nose and throat are associated with it.
Conjunctivitis- It is the inflammation of tissues covering eyeballs. Conjunctivitis is responsible for watery and itchy eyes with swelling and redness.
Eczema- Generally, it is seen in infants. It leads to drying of the skin of the face, elbows, and knees.
Hives- They are the red raised itchy spots on the skin. They cause intense itching and swelling.
Causes Of Allergies
Researchers suggest that there is a correlation between allergies and the genetic components of a person. That means, some allergies can pass on from parents to offspring. However, not all allergies are genetic. For instance, if a father is allergic to pollen, his child doesn’t need to be too.
Following is a list of common allergens.
- Animals and animal products including pet dander, cockroaches, or dust mite waste.
- Milk and milk products such as cheese and curd.
- Drugs including sulfa drugs and penicillin.
- Stings of insects like bees, mosquitos, and wasps.
- Dust and pollen of grass, trees, and plants.
- Certain food items including nuts, shellfish, wheat, egg, etc.
- Airborne spores of molds
Common Complications Arising Due To Allergies
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Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergic condition that can occur within a few minutes of exposure to the allergens. In this condition, our body produces massive amounts of chemicals causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and weakening of pulse. Anaphylaxis can also cause severe skin rashes, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea.
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Allergic Sinusitis
Allergic sinusitis is a condition in which there is an inflammation of cavities and membranes of the respiratory passage. Exposure to dust, pollen, etc. is the primary cause of it. Nasal congestion, irritability, itchy eyes, throat, and sleep problems are the main symptoms of allergic sinusitis.
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Allergic asthma
You are more likely to develop asthma if you have an allergy. Wheezing, sneezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath are the common signs and symptoms of allergic asthma. Allergic asthma can cause excessive face swelling, hives, mental confusion, and anxiety.
What can you do to treat Allergies?
Technically, allergy is a condition in which the immunological system attacks a foreign body that is not dangerous to your body. So, doctors generally use skin prick tests to detect the presence of an allergy. In this test, the healthcare professional pokes a needle containing potential allergen into your skin. Thereafter, the presence of skin bumps or rashes indicates an allergy. Additionally, spirometry, peak flow test, and checking lung functioning help in detecting allergies. The common signs and symptoms of allergies include nasal congestion, irritability, itchy eyes, runny nose, skin problems, and inflammation of the affected area. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs help treat allergies. It is always essential to consult a healthcare professional to resolve the issue. In addition, it helps in reducing the severity of allergic infections.
- Published in Allergy Testing
Asthma- Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disorder. It affects your lungs due to which people feel difficulty in breathing. In this disease, your airways become narrow and swell, and get infected. The airways are the tubes like structure that carry air in and out of the lungs. So, mainly there is the inflammation in airways. Asthma affects the inside walls of airways or the bronchial tubes that become swollen and inflamed.
Types of asthma
Asthma can be caused in many different ways and by many different reasons but the triggers are maybe the same. In addition, some of the triggers are pollutants, viruses, pet dander, mold, and cigarette smoke. So, here are some common types of asthma.
Childhood Asthma
It is the most common condition of asthma in children. It can be done at any age but is rarer in children than in adults.
In some studies, it is found that in 2017 children From 5-14 years were most likely to experience asthma. At this age, the percentage for the affected children is 9.7%. So, the percentage rate for the children from 0-4 years is 4.4%.
In the same year percentage rate for affected people of 18 years or above is 7.7%.
Here are some common triggers of childhood asthma-
- Respiratory infections and cold
- Cigarette smoke or tobacco smoke
- Allergens
- Air pollutants
- Exposure to cold air
- Change in temperature
- Excitement
- Stress
- Exercise
Adult Asthma
It can develop at any age in adulthood also. According to a study, in 2013 adults have more persistent symptoms than children.
Here are some factors that increase the risk of asthma in adults-
- Respiratory illness
- Exposure to pollutants or allergens
- Hormonal factors
- Obesity
- Stress
- Smoking
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is the result of exposure to allergens or the presence of irritants in the workplace.
So, asthma can be caused by allergens in the following workplaces-
- Flour mills and bakeries
- Hospitals and other health care centers
- Pet shops, zoos, and many other areas where animals are present
- Farms and other agricultural areas.
In the following places, irritants may trigger symptoms of asthma-
- Car repairs
- Engineering and metal works
- Woodwork and carpentry
- Also, electronics
- Hairdressing salons
- Also, indoor swimming pools
Childhood asthma can be return by the work environment of a person.
Seasonal Asthma
This is a type of asthma which caused due to the allergens present in the surrounding at a particular season or time. For example, pollen in the spring, cold air in the winter, and summer seasonal may trigger the symptoms of asthma. So, seasonal asthma will last for the whole year but there is no symptom in other seasons. Symptom may be seen in only a particular season.
Symptoms
Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. You may feel some asthma attacks while exercising or have symptoms all the time.
Signs and symptoms include-
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing when exhaling
- Coughing or wheezing attacks
- Anxiousness or panic
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in talking
Not every person has some symptoms of asthma. Symptoms vary from body to body and age to age. In addition, you don’t need to feel all the symptoms, you may have different symptoms at different times. Also, your symptoms may be mild at some times and can be severe at other times.
Treatment
Treatment of asthma is basically of three primary categories
- Breathing Treatments
- Short term Treatments
- Long term Treatments
Based on the type of asthma, your age, and the triggers of asthma your doctor will recommend one or a combination of treatments for you.
Breathing exercises- These exercises help you to get air in and out of your lungs. In addition, this will increase your lungs capacity and reduce asthma symptoms.
Short-term treatment- This treatment should only be used in quick relief of asthma symptoms or attacks. This will provide you quick relief and helps you to breathe again. So, they are of two types-
- Bronchodilators
- First aid asthma treatment
Bronchodilators– It helps to tighten your relaxed muscles around the airways. They can also be used as inhalers or nebulizers.
First aid asthma treatment– If someone is having an asthma attack ask them to sit upright and tell them to use their inhaler and nebulizer. However, if there is no decrease in symptoms for 20 minutes, seek emergency medical attention.
Long-term Treatment- Your doctor may prescribe long-term medicines which help in preventing symptoms by reducing the inflammation and preventing narrowing the airways. So, this treatment may vary from age to age. This may also include Anti-inflammatories, Anticholinergics, Long-acting bronchodilators, biology therapy drugs.
Conclusion
Asthma is a lungs disorder that affects your airways. Due to this, you get problems in taking air in and out of the lungs. There are many triggers like tobacco smoke, allergens, pollutants, etc. which may trigger asthma symptoms. To diagnose asthma doctors mostly use physical examination and diagnostic tests. So, the medicines which are used to treat asthma are short-term or long-term medications. These medicines are also used to control symptoms of asthma by reducing the inflammation of the airways. Also, short-term medicines are used for the immediate relief of asthma attacks. Inhalation of allergens and pollutants, exercise, exposure to cold weather can be considered as major risk factors of asthma. In addition, asthma affects a person’s physical, psychological, or social well-being.
- Published in Allergy Testing, Basic Wellness
Signs You are Allergic to Grasses and Plants
Allergy to grass and plant is a problem for many people. Allergy to grass usually stems from the pollens that are created by plants. Fresh-cut grass or walking in the park can cause allergies to you. Generally, when you breathe or come in contact with the substance you are sensitive to, you are going to have allergic reactions. Grass allergy occurs when you come in contact or breathe in pollen that comes from the same type of grass that irritates your immune system. Several signs might help you know that it would be a grass allergy. You may have a skin test to diagnose the existence and cause of the allergy.
Signs of Grass or Plant Allergy
You might experience a grass allergy without any diagnosis. The allergy might be quite severe, and it can cause effects on your body. Thus, we need to be aware of the signs of a grass allergy, or a plant allergy. Following are some common signs or symptoms:
- Running nose
- Itchy mouth, skin, throat, or eyes
- Coughing
- Watery Eyes
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Sinus Pressure
- Breathing problems, and many more.
Source: Canva
These are some common signs of grass allergy. Besides, allergies to several plants or pollen are certainly common in many people, in case of allergy. Some of them are Orchard, Timothy, Sweet Vernal, Johnson, Rye, Kentucky, and Bermuda. However, there might be more, we have listed only the common ones. allergic grasses or plants.
What can you do to keep yourself away from an allergy?
There are treatments for such grass allergies. But, it is always better to prevent them. Here are a few ways by which you can keep yourself out of reach from allergies caused by your sensitive pollen.
- Reduce Contact- A very effective way to stay away from allergy through any grass or plant is to keep your distance from grasses and plants. Do not breathe in the air that includes the pollen of grasses or plants. Protect your skin, eyes, and nose from contact with the grass by wearing any protective clothing. Especially, avoid the grasses that irritate you, or experience any sign of an allergy.
- Be aware of the Pollen Count- Your first job should be to figure out the pollen you are allergic to. Then, you should avoid contact with such plants that contain that pollen. Besides, you might count pollen, through the technology of the internet. If you find the pollen count high, avoid going outdoors. Instead, you should wear a protective face mask to avoid contact with pollen or weeds.
- Keep your clothes separated- If you are outdoors, make sure to change your clothes when you are inside. Also, be sure of taking a bath after exposure to any grass or plant. Try to keep the grass pollen outside your house by closing your window at the time of high pollen count, or at the time of mowing of grasses.
- Use your medications properly- If you have your diagnosis for the allergy, then be sure to follow your medications. Always complete your medication. Avoid contact with allergic pollen until the completion of the treatment. Treatment at the right time against pollen allergy is necessary to safeguard oneself from future complications.
Moreover, grass and plant allergies are very often, nowadays. Thus diagnosing and treating them as early as possible, is advised. Be aware of the symptoms. Then, the diagnosis would clear out the things. But, you should avoid contact with pollen if found allergic to stay healthy and fit.
- Published in Allergy Testing
Five Food You Might Be Allergic To
Food is a necessity for humans to stay alive. Thus, it makes it really important for us to eat the best and the right. Often, food might prove to be allergic as well. This might be because your body type is not tolerant to some food components. Several food items cause allergies in the human body. These are usually known as food sensitivities or intolerances. The human body can be sick because of the ingestion of allergic food components. When you eat something that your body has an allergy to, your immune system fights back to protect you. Thus, you should be known about any food allergy you might have.
These might cause some sort of allergy in the form of mild skin rash, or itchy eyes, or a reaction of breathlessness. Food allergies can be serious, but some precautions can be taken to manage them. One of the ways is to avoid the trigger foods. You should know your body, and the food that your body can handle, without any kind of allergy.
Food Items That Cause Allergy
Every human body is unique. Thus, no one knows exactly who might be allergic to something. Several food items can be allergic to your body. Every human body reacts differently to different food items. However, we have tried to list some common food items, people are allergic to.
Peanut
Peanut allergies are most common and can cause severe reactions in the body. This allergy is one of those that pass on through generations. It is also an increasing concern in children. You may experience problems in breathing, and they could be lifelong. Even a little allergy to peanuts is a concern, and you need to consult a doctor for treatment. Further, you should avoid eating peanuts if you feel abnormal any day. You might find out the way so that the allergy should not pass away.
Tree Nuts
Tree nuts may cause allergies to many, as these nuts and seeds come directly from the trees. It is the most common food allergy, and it includes Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios, and many more. You must avoid ingesting in every form until you get a treatment and get proper treatment. You might experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems, and anaphylaxis. Avoiding the nuts might be the best way to get out of this trouble. Do not forget to consult a doctor.
Fish
Fish allergies are one of the most common food allergies, which affect up to 2% of adults. It may cause reactions leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis in rare cases. Fish allergy is a common allergy and it can develop at any age. Even if you were eating fish in the past, you might develop an allergy now. The allergy could be with any kind of fish, not one fish in particular. Moreover, the vapors while cooking fish, or touching the fish can also be a source of allergy to some.
Cow Milk
In babies and young children, an allergy to cow’s milk is often seen. The reason behind the cow’s milk allergy is the protein generated from it, especially at the age of six months. If the allergy is detected, then the milk and its products should be avoided. The allergy might be life-threatening and must be taken seriously. You should ask your doctor if you feel any symptoms or reactions to your body. While avoiding milk products might not be the best way to keep your children out of an allergy. Thus, getting the right treatment for them is necessary.
Eggs
The most common allergic food component in the human body is egg, mostly in children. Allergy to eggs may lead to some symptoms like digestive distress, rashes or hives, respiratory problems, and anaphylaxis (rarely). Egg-free food must be consumed to get rid of such an allergy. The protein contained inside an egg, when enters your body, the body might recognize it as an opponent. And the body might try to defend the body by releasing certain chemicals. Besides, the reaction of such chemicals with the protein causes the symptoms, thus allergy from eggs.
How to get tested for Food Allergy?
A test for food allergies consists of a blood test that helps to figure out if your body is allergic to specific foods and which ones. Even if you doubt any food that causes something or any symptom, allergy testing is the way to get sure.
First of all, you have to contact an allergist. They will take a survey by asking questions about your body or the kinds of symptoms you are facing. Several times may prove to be difficult to find out the problem food, even the doctor might suggest some tests. Allergy testing is not the final or last way to find out the allergic food, but you need to be patient to get the right diagnosis.
The doctor will take a sample of your blood and skin, and expose it to different food items to find the allergic food for your body. The procedure might take a week or more, though these tests are sent to the lab. It is not possible to predict how severe a food allergy reaction may be, even after skin or blood tests.
Apart from the above five most common food items that lead to allergy in the human body, there are several other food items out there. These include banana, garlic, mustard seeds, aniseeds, kiwi fruit, peach, linseed, avocado, and many more. Thus, it depends from person to person. Therefore, it is necessary that you eat right, and always be cautious while you consume anything.
- Published in Allergy Testing
5 Important Signs You Are Lactose Intolerant
Do you worry that you could be lactose intolerant?
Maybe when you drink milk or eat products with milk in them, you end up feeling bloated or ill, and you wonder if the problem is with the ability to break down lactose.
According to Johns Hopkins University, being lactose intolerant is so common nowadays that it’s no longer a disorder. In fact, it is considered “normal” for adults to no longer be able to digest lactose as they age.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the key signs that you are lactose intolerant, as well as discuss what lactose actually is.
What is Lactose?
Before we discuss some of the signs that you are lactose intolerant, we should discuss what lactose is.
Lactose itself is a type of sugar found in most dairy products. As such, being lactose intolerant doesn’t necessarily mean you’re allergic to dairy, as you can often find dairy products that have been produced free of it.
Some babies are born with congenital lactose intolerance, meaning their bodies are unable to break down the lactose in dairy products.
Most people who are lactose intolerant develop it over time. The human body breaks down lactose with an enzyme known as lactase. The cells in the lining of the small intestine are responsible for creating them.
As people age, their ability to produce lactase can wane, which will make them lactose intolerant.
Is It Serious?
Lactose intolerance is not necessarily serious, in that it is not an allergy to lactose. This means that you won’t need to carry around an EpiPen or another emergency device just because you’re allergic to lactose.
Instead, you’ll learn to avoid lactose strategically. This may include taking pills that block lactose before you eat food with lactose in it. It may also include modifying your diet so it is free of lactose.
Worry not, lactose intolerance itself is not fatal.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Below are some of the classic symptoms of lactose intolerance. This list, however, is not exhaustive and it is important if you experience these symptoms to see your doctor. Your doctor will need to rule out more serious GI disorders before diagnosing you with lactose intolerance.
1. Diarrhea That Last More Than Five Days
If you have diarrhea that lasts more than five days, especially frequently, it is possible that you are lactose intolerant. If this comes on just one time in your life, it is less likely an issue of lactose. But, if you have it often, lactose intolerance may be the culprit.
2. Stomach Pain That Gets Worse (or Sometimes Gets Better) When You Eat
If your stomach frequently hurts after eating dairy or products with lactose in it, looking into lactose intolerance as a cause is a good idea. For many people, this is the main symptom, and the pain can feel debilitating.
Stomach pain can also make you feel “bloated” or give you a full feeling, even when you haven’t eaten all that much.
3. You Feel Sick Even When You Eat Non-Dairy Foods
You may think you’re not lactose intolerant because you may often feel sick when you eat food that doesn’t contain lactose. While with some foods, it’s obvious you’re consuming it (i.e. with milk or cheese or yogurt), lactose sneaks its way into many types of foods.
As such, you may think you’re not lactose intolerant at all. But it is important to check the labels of everything you eat and ask at restaurants. You may believe you’re not lactose intolerant even when you are.
Pay attention to when you feel sick after meals and when you don’t. You may even want to keep a diary to help you make better judgments.
4. You’re Gassy
Along with feeling bloated, individuals who are lactose intolerant are also often quite gassy. But, there’s one catch for gas associated with lactose intolerance: it doesn’t have a smell.
So, if you’re gassy and making everyone around you feel sick, the problem is likely attributed to something else. But, if you’re gassy and no one else knows about it, it’s like due to lactose intolerance.
If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll usually get this feeling right after meals. It may last a little while, but it’ll come on as your food is digesting.
5. Age
The older you get, the more common it is to become lactose intolerant. Most people who don’t have it as a congenital condition begin to develop it after the age of 2. But, as your body ages, you may be one of the unlucky ones who doesn’t continue to make lactase in their small intestine.
Simply getting older can be a risk of lactose intolerance, so it’s important to note how your body is changing as you grow and change while you age.
Signs You Are Lactose Intolerant: Now You Know, What Do You Do About It?
If you think you’re lactose intolerant, your doctor can order one of two tests. One is a hydrogen breath test, and the other is a blood test to look at your blood sugar after you’ve eaten lactose. This will be able to help confirm or deny if lactose is the source of your stomach woes.
The signs you are lactose intolerant listed in this article are not exhaustive, but they present some of the most common symptoms. If you’re concerned about your health, you can schedule an appointment with 24/7 labs and keep your health on track.
- Published in Allergy Testing
9 Telltale Signs You Have A Gluten Intolerance
3.1 million Americans are currently following a gluten-free diet. But many people may be gluten intolerant and not even realize it. If you’ve been wondering if gluten has a negative impact on your body, this article is for you.
Read on to learn how to test for gluten intolerance, and the top signs you may need to cut gluten from your life.
Ready? Let’s get started.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that’s found in barley, rye, and wheat. For people who have problems processing gluten, this protein triggers an immune response, and their body attacks their small intestine.
These constant attacks cause damage to the small intestine. This is a problem because it’s the small intestine’s job to help your body absorb nutrients. For people with Celiac disease, their bodies can’t process food when they eat gluten.
Approximately 1% of the worldwide population has Celiac Disease, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. And approximately 2.5 million Americans have Celiac Disease but are unaware.
If your body has problems with gluten, you may have symptoms right after you eat a meal that’s heavy in gluten. However, you may also not experience symptoms for weeks after that meal. That’s why it can be difficult to know if you’ve got Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity.
Signs of Gluten Intolerance
If you’re constantly feeling unwell, there are many things it could be attributed to. But there are a few signs of gluten intolerance that you should know. Here are some of the telltale signs you could be sensitive to gluten:
1. Bloating
Bloating is one of the most common signs of gluten intolerance. It’s not normal to feel bloated every time you eat. The reason this happens is that gluten is causing inflammation in your digestive tract.
Gluten can even cause bloating for people who aren’t particularly sensitive to gluten. But if you have persistent bloating in your lower abdomen, it may be related to gluten intolerance.
2. Diarrhea
This is another one of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance. If you’re constantly suffering from loose and/or watery stools, it may be related to the gluten you’re eating.
If you cut out gluten and you’re no longer running to the bathroom, you may be sensitive or intolerant to gluten.
3. Fatigue
If you’re constantly exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, this is also a symptom of gluten intolerance.
Since gluten can damage your small intestine, your body can end up deficient in important vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies can also lead to fatigue and exhaustion.
4. Constipation
While many people suffer from diarrhea with celiac, constipation is one of the less-known symptoms.
Out bodies have tiny projections called villi in our small intestines. Gluten intolerance damages these villi, which are responsible for nutrient absorption. As your food travels through your digestive tract, your villi can’t absorb these nutrients, and will often take extra moisture from your stool. This leads to constipation.
5. Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis Herpetiformis is an itchy rash that typically occurs on your butt, knees, and elbows. It’s one of the telltale signs of celiac disease.
You may even notice this rash without any of the typical gastrointestinal symptoms that many people experience with gluten sensitivity.
6. Canker Sores
Canker sores can be extremely painful and can make it difficult to eat, talk, and even swallow.
These sores occur in the mouth and are common for people who have braces or are sensitive to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is found in toothpaste and shampoo.
If you’re constantly suffering from canker sores and you’re using an SLS-free toothpaste, gluten may be the culprit. These are a sign of inflammation in your upper digestive tract.
7. Migraines
There are many things that cause migraines, including chocolate, alcohol, cheese, menstruation, changes in the weather, and more.
However, if you can’t pinpoint a common trigger for your migraines, they could be due to gluten sensitivity. People who are intolerant to gluten typically have more migraines than those who are not.
8. Endometriosis
Endometriosis leads to painful periods and can be debilitating for some women. One study found that 75% of women who had been diagnosed with endometriosis had a significant change in the wors of their symptoms after they went gluten-free for 12 months.
This is a massive statistic, so if you have endometriosis, a gluten-free diet could change your life.
9. Iron Deficiency
As mentioned people who are sensitive to gluten have problems absorbing nutrients. This can cause iron-deficiency anemia, which occurs when you have a lack of red blood cells in your body.
If you’re deficient in iron, you may notice dizziness, headaches, chest pain, weakness, and fatigue. If you’re eating iron-rich foods and/or taking vitamins but you’re still deficient in iron, the problem may be caused by the gluten you’re eating.
How to Test for Gluten Intolerance
If you were nodding along while reading the above signs and symptoms, you may be gluten intolerant. Before cutting out gluten, it’s a good idea to get tested so you can be sure that this is your problem.
A simple lab test can tell you whether you’re gluten intolerant, or if you have another issue that’s impacting your health. While gluten may very well be the problem, it’s important to get tested before you cut it out of your diet.
Gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthier than those with gluten and are often higher in sugars, fat, and sodium, and lower in nutrients. A simple blood test can tell you for sure if you have an issue with gluten.
Wrapping up
If you’re gluten intolerant, you may have simply gotten used to always feeling sick, tired, and bloated.
You don’t need to live this way. A diagnosis can help you learn which foods to avoid, and help remove these signs and symptoms from your life.
If you’re wondering how to test for gluten intolerance, we can help. Get in touch today to book an appointment and get the tests you need to regain your health.
- Published in Allergy Testing
Everything You Should Know About Roaches and Allergies
Nobody welcomes cockroaches into their home, but sometimes they sneak in anyway. These pests aren’t just unappealing; they pose major allergy and asthma risks due to their saliva, droppings, and skin shedding.
If you have allergy symptoms but can’t find the source, it’s possible that your home is one of the 63% of U.S. residences that contain cockroach allergens. Make sure you understand how to identify and diagnose your cockroach allergy so you can efficiently eliminate the source of your symptoms.
Why Do Allergies Develop?
There are certain substances in the environment, like ragweed in the fall and pollen in the spring, that can trigger the immune system to act as if it is fighting off a foreign invader. When the immune system jumps to action like that, it creates histamines in the bloodstream that create unpleasant reactions like coughing, nasal congestion, skin rash, wheezing, and ear and sinus infections.
Your Cockroach Allergy
The German cockroach is the most troublesome in homes and is directly associated with causing asthma and allergy symptoms, The American Cockroach, also known as the Palmetto Bug in the south, is just as common and problematic. Since roaches adapt easily to most environments and are attracted to the warmth of buildings and homes at night, it’s possible to suffer from roach allergies all year long.
The following symptoms indicate that you could have a roach infestation causing allergies to roach saliva, waste, and body parts:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny nose and congestion
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes
- Itchy skin or skin rash
- Asthma conditions like chest tightness and difficulty breathing
- Published in Allergy Testing
A Quick Guide to Allergies
Allergies encompass so much more than just sneezing and itchy eyes. You might have food allergies, pet allergies, or seasonal allergies that cause uncomfortable symptoms or even put you in danger of severe reactions. Fortunately, lab tests can determine which specific allergies are causing your issues so you can seek the best treatment and finally feel comfortable again.
Food Allergies
A true food allergy can develop at any age when the body’s immune system overreacts and identifies an otherwise safe food as a danger, stimulating a response to fight the “dangerous” food away. About five percent of the population suffers from this type of allergy and must eliminate the foods that cause the allergic reactions. (more…)
- Published in Allergy Testing
