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Grand Rapids Allergy

Types of Allergies

An allergy is created when your immune system becomes hypersensitive to a harmless substance and over-reacts to it. The natural immune response becomes greatly exaggerated and causes an adverse reaction. There are many types of allergies that we can provide treatment for.

Asthma

Symptoms Include

Coughing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath or a wheezing sound when exhaling.

What is it?

Asthma is a disease affecting the airways leading to the air sacs in the lungs. The inner lining of these tubes become narrowed by swelling and increase mucous production. In addition, small muscles surrounding the tubes may spasm and interfere with the flow of air.

Food Allergies

Symptoms Include

Vomiting, cramps, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough, tight/hoarse throat, swelling of the tongue, weak pulse, pale skin, and dizziness.

What is it?

A food allergy reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a food or substance in a food — it incorrectly identifies it as a threat. Symptoms can be mild or severe.

Sinus

Symptoms Include

Postnasal drip, green nasal discharge, stuffiness or congestion, frontal headaches, fever and fatigue.

What is it?

Inflammation of the sinuses is usually caused by either infection or allergy. The normal flow of mucus from the sinuses to the back of the throat become blocked due to swelling, which traps the mucus in the sinuses.

Eczema

Symptoms Include

Skin that is dry, red, irritated and itchy. May have small, fluid-filled bumps on skin also that ooze a clear or yellowish liquid.

What is it?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that often occurs in people with allergies. This condition typically starts in childhood.

Insect Stings

Symptoms Include

Pain, swelling, redness usually confined to the sting site but sometimes extending further out.

What is it?

Allergic reactions to stings can occur even after many normal reactions to stings and at any age. The majority of insect stings in the United States come from wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and bees.

Seasonal Allergies

Symptoms Include

Stuffy nose, itching in the nose, mouth, eyes, throat or skin, sneezing, cough.

What is it?

Also known as rhinitis or hay fever seasonal allergies is a group of symptoms that affect the nose. Many experience symptoms after breathing in an allergy-causing substance such as pollen or dust.

Chronic Cough

Symptoms Include

A persistent abnormal cough.

What is it?

We often observe cough to be a symptom of uncontrolled allergies. Exposure to an allergen can produce mucus which drips slowly from your nose to the back of your throat. This is called post nasal drainage and acts to stimulate your cough reflex.

Latex Allergy

Symptoms Include

Hives, itching, stuffy or runny nose. Also can include symptoms of asthma. Anaphylaxis can be a reaction in severe cases

What is it?

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in natural rubber latex - a component found in many medical and dental supplies including disposable gloves, dental dams, airway and intravenous tubing, syringes, stethoscopes, catheters, dressings and bandages.

Local Anesthetic Allergy

Symptoms Include

Hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing

What is it?

Local anesthetics are used to numb an area prior to a surgical procedure. Fortunately, anesthetic allergy is rare and the majority of reactions are secondary to the side-effects of epinephrine which is used with the anesthetic to reduce blood flow to the area.

Pet/Animal Allergies

Symptoms Include

Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, watery or red itchy eyes, skin rash.

What is it?

Furry friends can be a joy, and seventy percent of U.S. households have pet owners – about 100 million cats and dogs! Children and adults may become allergic to the dander, saliva, and urine, and unfortunately there are no “hypoallergenic breeds.”

Recurrent Infections

Symptoms Include

Hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing

What is it?

Though rare, patients with an immune system disorder generally experience the same kinds of infections that other people get, however their infections occur more frequently, and may be more severe with greater risk of complications.

Medication Sensitivity

Symptoms Include

Hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, sneezing or passing out.

What is it?

Diagnosis is made by history and review of medical records. There are no current standardized tests for medication allergy. If a medication is required, you can consult with your allergist regarding options of a challenge or desensitization procedure.