Are you dealing with allergies? If so, you probably have some questions.

Sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes—these are just some of the classic symptoms of allergies. While some of us may periodically deal with unpleasant bouts of allergies, there are some people who battle allergies all of the time. Learn more about allergies and how to treat them by reading below, and if you are interested in personal treatment, call your Pembroke Pines, FL, otolaryngologists, Dr. Craig Shapiro and Dr. Sina Joorabchi.

What is an allergy?

Our immune system is designed to be able to spot foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses and destroy them; however, our immune system can react to an otherwise harmless substance by producing the necessary antibodies to destroy the substance. This is called an allergic reaction, and symptoms can range from minor to life-threatening.

What are the most common types of allergies?

While people can develop allergies to just about any substance in our environment, there are certain ones that are more common. These include,

• Dust and dust mites
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Chemicals
• Foods
• Medications
• Latex
• Insect stings or bites

What are the common allergy symptoms?

Symptoms may manifest anywhere in the body but they usually appear in the eyes, throat, nose, stomach, and respiratory system. The symptoms you experience will depend on the type of allergy. For example, food allergies often cause gastrointestinal issues while pollen often affects the ears, throat, and nose.

Who develops allergies?

Anyone can develop allergies, although it’s more common for them to develop in children. However, it is still possible for allergies to show up later in life even after being in remission for many years.

What types of foods can cause allergies?

These eight foods make up about 90 percent of food-related allergic reactions,

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish

What is the best way to test for allergies?

When you visit our Pembroke Pines office for an evaluation, we will go through your medical history and discuss your symptoms. We will also perform a physical examination. Often times a skin prick test is used to determine what’s causing your allergies, although a blood test may also be performed.

What are some ways to treat allergies?

The treatment you receive will depend on the type and severity of your allergies. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications are all that’s needed for those with mild-to-moderate allergies, but those with more severe allergies may require a prescription medication. Common medications include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Those who deal with allergy symptoms more than three months at a time, as well as those who aren’t getting the relief they need from allergy medication and lifestyle modifications, may want to consider getting immunotherapy (aka: allergy shots).

Still wondering how to best manage your allergy symptoms? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The allergy specialists at our Pembroke Pines office are here to help. Call us today at (954) 438-7171.