FAQs & Additional Information

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to ordinarily harmless substances or substances. These sensitizing substances, called allergens, may come into contact with the nose, the eyes, and the lungs, causing typical allergic symptoms like allergic rhinitis (hay fever with running and itchy nose), allergic conjunctivitis (runny and itchy eyes), and asthma (cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath) respectively. 

Yes. Anyone can develop an allergy—even if they’ve never had one before. Allergies can start in childhood, adulthood, or even later in life. Why does this happen? Your immune system is supposed to protect you from harmful things like viruses and bacteria. But sometimes, it mistakenly treats harmless things—like pollen, pet dander, or certain foods —as dangerous. This causes an allergic reaction. 

Some common allergens are pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, feathers, foods, medications, and insect stings. 

While there are many symptoms of allergy, watery/itchy eyes, sneezing, and a constant runny nose are some common symptoms. Cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing are common symptoms of asthma. Chronic cough alone can commonly be caused by asthma. History is the most important first step. Physical examination, skin testing, and lung function may be necessary. If you suspect you may be suffering from allergies, see an allergist/immunologist. 

Generally, the earlier the treatment, the better. Some chronic problems associated with allergies can cause permanent damage if left untreated for a long period of time. Evidence shows that if the inflammation of the airway (asthma) is not controlled, chronic irreversible scarring of the airway can occur; when this occurs, it will be more difficult to revert the process. This type of irreversible lung injury can also occur during early childhood. Being aware of the nature of allergic disease is the first step in controlling it. Allergen avoidance, medications, and/or immunotherapy (allergen vaccination) may be necessary for allergic rhinitis and asthma. For severe food allergies, accurate identification of the allergen(s) is important.

There are many different types of factors that can trigger an asthma attack. Allergens, viral infections, sinusitis, irritants such as strong odors, chalk dust, tobacco smoke, temperature changes, exercise, gastroesophageal reflux, chemical irritants, certain medications (e.g., medications for high blood pressure and glaucoma) and emotional anxiety all can contribute to frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy or allergen vaccination, is a process by which allergic material is administered in increasing concentrations, over a period of time, in order to decrease symptoms that would follow exposure to an allergen. This treatment should be given under the direction of a board-certified allergist and immunologist.  

Adverse reaction to food is a general term that describes any abnormal reaction to a food or food additive that is eaten, whether it is caused by allergic or non-allergic mechanisms. A few specific foods seem to cause most food allergies. Some of the most common food allergens are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, seafood, wheat, and soy. Nuts and seafood can commonly cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

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