Resources
Patient Education
Skin-Related Allergy
Eczema is the term used for overreaction in the skin to substances in the environment. This overreaction can be either allergic or non-allergic. This difference is determined by allergy skin testing.(MORE INFORMATION)
Food Allergy
Eczema, diarrhea, nausea, and life threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) may be seen with food allergy. Difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, nausea, dizziness and tongue or lip swelling should be evaluated by a health care professional immediately. Common foods that cause allergic reactions include: cow’s milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, fish and seafoods.
Food allergy testing is valuable even when it proves there are no allergies. A negative test helps healthcare providers know to look for other (non-allergic) causes of symptoms the patient felt were due to food allergy, for example, stomach aches and cramps.(MORE INFORMATION)
Latex Allergy
A skin rash may be the first sign of a latex allergy, with more serious reactions occurring after continued exposure. The most common reaction to latex is skin irritation. Diagnosis may be delayed because the rash may occur one or two days after latex exposure. Latex may also cause a life threatening reaction (anaphylaxis) or hives just by touching it.
Latex is found in many items including elastic and adhesive bandages, hospital gloves, blood pressure cuffs, condoms, balloons, cloth adhesive tape, teething rings, pacifiers, baby-bottle nipples, pencil erasers, and rubber bands.(MORE INFORMATION)
60 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE U.S. SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES
Allergies In General
An allergy is an overreaction to substances the body thinks are foreign, such as pollen from plants, animal dander, or insect stings. People can develop allergies to foods and medications as well. Signs of allergies include runny nose, itchy nose or throat, itchy/watery eyes, and sneezing. Allergies can worsen asthma by narrowing your breathing tubes and can cause stomach cramping from increased mucus production and constriction of the intestinal walls.
How Allergies Occur
When a person is exposed to an allergen such as tree pollen, the body believes it is an “enemy” and releases antibodies to fight off the invader. These antibodies can release chemicals such as histamine which irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs. If enough antibodies build up over time, it triggers allergic symptoms. This is how people own a cat for many years without a problem then suddenly experience itching and sneezing around their pets. Wheezing occurs in patients with asthma who are allergic to the pollens of trees, weeds and grass; animals; molds; and house dust mites.
