Food Allergies

True food allergy affects two to four percent of the general population. This incidence is a little higher in infants and young children. The most common foods that cause allergic symptoms are cows milk, eggs, peanuts, soy beans, nuts, seafood, corn and wheat. Symptoms of a true food allergy include hives, swelling of lips or face, shortness of breath, wheezing and running, itchy eyes and nose. Severe food allergy can sometimes lead to shock-like reactions which can be fatal. Some adults have symptoms of gas, bloating and diarrhea after eating dairy products. These may be symptoms of lactose intolerance and not a true allergy to milk. A careful history with skin testing of suspected foods will help identify them. Elimination of these foods from the patient''s diet usually helps resolve food allergy symptoms.

Hay Fever and Sinus Allergies

Hay fever or sinus allergy is caused by contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, mold or animal dander. Such an exposure produces sneezing, congestion, runny and itchy nose, and itchiness in the throat and ear. It may be accompanied by watery, itching and red eyes. These symptoms can occur during the pollen season in spring, summer and fall. Mold, house dust, mite and animal dander can also produce year round symptoms. Avoiding exposure to the offending agents is most beneficial in reducing symptoms of hay fever. Your allergist can advise medication such as antihistamines, decongestant and anti-allergy nose sprays to treat this condition. Hay fever may also be treated by immunotherapy or injection therapy in selected patients.

Hay fever is caused by an allergy to the pollen of trees, grasses, weeds or the spores of molds. 10 to 20 % of the population suffer from hay fever. Depending on the area of the country and the pollinating periods, hay fever season may be Spring, Summer or Fall, and usually lasts until frost. Hay fever sufferers have spells of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and an itchy palate and throat. The technical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis (rine-itis), which describes the nasal congestion, sneezing and running nose caused by allergies. Allergic rhinitis affects more people than any other kind of allergy. It may be a seasonal problem such as hay fever, or it may be a year-round problem caused by other allergens such as house dust mite, animal dander, or some molds. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to alleviate hay fever symptoms. Consultation with a board certified allergist will help identify the offending allergens and develop an effective treatment plan.

Insect Allergies

When a person is stung by a bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket or some ants, the insect injects venom into its victim. This venom can cause severe life threatening reactions in certain people who are allergic to it. In a typically normal reaction, the sting sight will be painful, reddened, may swell and itch, but this will last only a few hours. Enlarged local reaction will be more painful, with itching and swelling present, both at the sight of the sting and in the areas surrounding it. It may last for a few days. In a severe allergic reaction, the person may feel dizzy, nauseated and weak. Stomach cramps and diarrhea may occur. Generalized hives and itching, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, a sharp drop in blood pressure, shock and unconsciousness may also occur. Such severe reactions may prove fatal if medical treatment is not obtained immediately. Venom immunotherapy is an effective treatment for stinging insect allergy and should be discussed with your allergist.

Insect stings, particularly those of bees, wasps, yellow jacket, and hornets, can cause serious reactions in some people. Reactions to inset stings or bits range from welts or swelling of the skin, to hives, wheezing, shock, stomach cramps, diarrhea and difficulty in breathing. In the U.S., an estimated 1 million people are severely allergic to the venom of stinging insects, and approximately 50 people die each year as a result of insect stings. Individuals allergic to insect stings should discuss what to do about a sting with their allergist because prompt action is very important. Several steps can be taken to help avoid insect stings:

* Avoid wearing perfumes and colognes.

* Wear light colored clothing such as white, green, tan and khaki because insects are attracted to bright colored and black clothing.

* Always wear shoes and socks when outdoors.

* Avoid public trash cans and never engage in outdoor activities without someone present to help in case of an emergency.

Preventative treatments include desensitization shots which are effective in more than 95% of those allergic to stings. Other treatments include antihistamines taken by mouth or an injection of adrenaline.

ASTHMA