Allergies occur after your body is exposed to specific triggers that it views as potentially harmful substances. When your immune system mistakenly interprets these harmless substances as dangerous, it creates antibodies against them called immunoglobulin E (IgE) proteins. This causes the release of chemicals like histamine, which fights off perceived foreign substances. The result is an allergy attack. In Surprise, AZ, allergists will help manage the allergies through methods such as immunotherapy. They also have allergy medications which they may consider. Thus, book an appointment with the best Allergist in Surprise, AZ. Here are three facts about allergies anyone should know.
Allergies are Preventable
Over 50 million Americans, including millions of children, suffer from allergies today. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your symptoms and protect yourself from the allergens that trigger them. The first step is being aware of your specific triggers. Once you know what’s causing your symptoms, you can avoid contact with it or take steps to minimize your exposure to it. Keeping a food and symptom journal is a great way to get started.
In addition, you can take preventive measures like using an air purifier or taking medicine before specific triggers cause symptoms. It’s also important you see your doctor if allergies run in your family or if you experience symptoms for the first time since some types of allergies are more serious.
There Exist Allergy Risk Factors and Triggers
While allergies may be preventable and treatable, certain risk factors can make you more likely to develop them. These include;
- Gender: 12% of women suffer from allergies, while only 8% of men do (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases).
- Family history: If you have a parent or sibling who suffers from allergies, your chances of developing them increase by 60%.
- Food allergies: One in three people are sensitive to penicillin. Other typical food triggers include milk, seafood, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, and eggs.
- Weather: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has found that hay fever is most common during the fall in Western regions of the United States. Other types of allergies are linked to weather changes throughout the year.
- Pregnancy: A woman’s immune system becomes less effective at fighting off allergens during pregnancy. This can increase your likelihood of being sensitized to allergies. Although this does not mean you will develop them, many women experience allergies for the first time during pregnancy.
Immunotherapy Helps in Management of Therapies
Many different allergy therapies are available to help you manage your symptoms, including Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal irrigation, immunotherapy, eye drops, and prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
Immunotherapy is the only treatment that has been proven to cure allergies. It’s a series of allergy injections given over three years that you receive every week for the first year, then monthly during the second year, and finally bimonthly in the third. These injections trigger your immune system to become desensitized to allergens so they will no longer cause symptoms.
People with allergies can often manage their symptoms and protect themselves from triggers, but there is still a risk of developing allergies. If you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms for the first time, it’s essential to see your allergist quickly, as some types of allergies are more severe than others.
