Allergic Reactions Specialist

Allergic Reactions Q & A

What is an allergic reaction?

An allergy generally is a condition where your immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. People with a certain allergy will experience an allergic reaction when they come in contact with that allergen substance. Allergic reactions can be mildly annoying to sudden and  life-threatening. You can come into contact with allergens through the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, or stomach. This can cause your sinuses to clog up, skin inflammation, swelling,  general difficulty breathing, or even stomach problems. Allergies often occur along with other diseases, such as asthma, ear infections, sinusitis, and sleep apnea.

What causes allergic reactions?

Some common allergens include:

• Animal dander
• Bee stings
• Certain medications such as penicillin
• Dust mites
• Certain food like nuts, shellfish, wheat, and soy
• Insect bites
• Latex or other materials you touch
• Mold
• Plants and pollens

Some common types of allergies are:

• Hay fever
• Food allergies
• Eczema
• Medications
• Insect stings

As with some other allergies, such as food and medication, a severe reaction to a sting can lead to anaphylaxis.

How are allergies treated and does People First Urgent & Primary Care offer allergy testing?

Yes. People First Urgent & Primary Care offers allergy testing. If you have gone into anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction you should go to the ER immediately. For milder allergic reactions, consult with People First Urgent & Primary Care to help find out the best treatment for your allergy. In addition to allergy testing, this can include nasal steroids, antihistamines, decongestants or allergy shots. Allergy shots contain small amounts of allergens. They’re given on a regular schedule so that your body gets used to the allergens and no longer overreacts to them. The effects of shots can last over an extended period. It is best to avoid the items or situations that cause your allergies. But if you do find that you are having a non-emergency allergic reaction, People First Urgent & Primary Care can help you with treatment and relief. Our needle-less allergy tests are painless and – best of all – effective at helping you discover what allergies you are susceptible to.