By: Dr. Riffat Sadiq, President & CEO, WNY Medical PC & Katy Siwirski

What are allergies?

Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is not normally meant to cause a reaction. The human immune system produces antibodies, which are proteins produced in response to bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. These proteins identify allergies as harmful substances, although they are safe, causing inflammation to your skin, sinuses, airways & digestive system.

Common allergies include dust, pollen, fish, shrimp, peanuts, eggs, milk, bee stings, and latex.

Can my allergies be cured?

When it comes to allergies, we can build immunity to handle allergies in a better way. There are over the counter and prescription treatments that may relieve symptoms. It is possible for individuals to outgrow allergies or for them to become less severe, as you age. Although we can prevent allergies from happening, they are not curable.

What are some treatments for allergies?

The first step is avoidance; avoid the allergens that causes the reaction. Immunotherapy and EpiPens help in a quick circumstance. EpiPens contain a life-saving substance that save those with life-threatening allergic reactions. When someone is having a severe allergic reaction, an EpiPen can be used to temporarily lessen symptoms until medical attention is available.

Seasonal allergies are not as serious, but some are life-threatening. When you are having a life-threatening allergic reaction, the body goes into anaphylaxis. This is the process of the immune system releasing a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock. Signs include a rapid or weak pulse, skin rash, and nausea or vomiting. Individuals can also stop breathing and lose consciousness.

Along with avoidance, there are a few ways to prevent your allergies from taking over your well-being. Keep a diary of causes and effects of your allergies and bring that diary with you to doctor appointments. This could help you and your doctor identify triggers. Finally, if you have allergies that cause severe or life-threatening reactions, medical alert bracelets and necklaces will allow those around you to know of your allergy. This is beneficial in a situation where your throat may swell shut and you are unable to verbally communicate.

How do we discover if we have allergies?

It is important to see your primary care physician, but there are allergy specialists that can test via skin and blood tests. Thankfully, most allergies can be detected through these tests. Skin tests involve the introduction of allergens into your skin to check for marks, rashes, or other reactions. Blood tests check for allergy-specific antibodies, which can have a higher rate of false-positive results. Overall, it is best to speak with your doctor about the best ways to test for or treat your allergy symptoms.

What are some at-home remedies for allergies?

Examples of at-home remedies for your allergies include nasal saline & antihistamines. For dust and pet dandruff, it is important to wash your bedding often, keep your home clean, and take simple steps to avoid these particles. Hardwood floors and leather furniture can assist in avoiding pet allergies, versus carpet and fabric sofas. Air filters are also very beneficial because they trap airborne irritants, reducing allergens in your home. According to several 2015 reviews done by PubMed Central, acupuncture demonstrated positive results for a variety of allergies. Probiotics have also been shown to potentially improve symptoms of allergies. Vitamin C may also show benefits, too.

How many people are affected by allergies?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 24 million people in the United States were diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. This makes up 19.2 million adults and 5.2 million children. These individuals identify as those allergic to pollen from trees, grass, and weeds.

According to The Allergy & Asthma Network, at least 26 million adults have food allergies, and 6.5 percent of children under 18 years of age have food allergies. Among adults with food allergies, 51.1 percent of those experience a severe reaction. Among children with food allergies, 42.3 percent of children with food allergies have experienced a severe reaction. Overall, food allergies make up one of the top three sources of anaphylaxis worldwide.

What other advice do you have to those with allergies?

It is very important to take care of yourself. You are your own doctor; you see yourself every day. Watch what is bothering you and watch what is causing allergic reactions. See your doctor so that they can perform tests. Keep EpiPens with you, as prescribed by your doctor, to avoid any life-threatening situations. Overall, take care of yourself and pay attention to your body’s reactions to certain substances and particles.

Hello readers! Katy here, and so is allergy season.

This is a difficult time for everyone who experiences these problems, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. I am here to remind sufferers of tips and techniques to help with your allergies, as well as relate to those who experience the same issues. Remember, although we are in allergy season, individuals have allergies that they deal with on a daily basis. I asked my family what their allergies are, what they use to prevent them, how the discovered they have them, and what they suggest for further prevention.

The first person I interviewed is my sister-in-law, Jenna. She is allergic to pollen, all animals with fur and feathers, tree nuts, and shellfish. She takes Claritin daily, as well as Benadryl for severe reactions. She takes a Proventil inhaler as needed, too. She discovered she has allergies when she had an asthma attack from dogs and cats. She discovered her food allergies when her eyes and throat swelled shut from the reaction. There are hypoallergenic animals, and she took advantage of this opportunity by adopting one. Jenna suggests to those with food allergies to prepare before going out to eat at a restaurant. Check the menu for the foods you are allergic to and avoid them accordingly. For other allergies, make sure you take your medication. Overall, Jenna’s life with allergies isn’t too shabby, and quite a bit furry.

The next person I interviewed is my dad, Jim. He is allergic to cats, pollen, and ragweed. He states that “I will only take something if they get really bad. As I have gotten older, they do not affect me as much. Claritin would be my medication of choice.” He also takes a daily multi-vitamin, and states that this seems to help. He can be around our cats, as long as he doesn’t pet them for much more than thirty seconds. In terms of pollen and ragweed, he simply states that avoiding these factors helps prevent them. He discovered he had allergies when he was four years old. His best tip of advice is mind over matter; not thinking about your allergies helps you control them. Although I hear my dad sneeze a lot, he lives a generally content life with his allergies.

To say the least, allergies are not the most pleasurable experience for those who suffer from them. Take the right steps in treating your allergies now, and they will likely get easier to maintain, over time. Remember, although not curable, you can live a happy and healthy life by properly managing your allergies.