Environment & Food Allergies

Environment

If you have environmental allergies, you may find yourself sniffling, sneezing, coughing, or itching — and it’s your surroundings that are causing the problem. The key is to avoid or eliminate airborne allergens, which will help you get back to feeling your best. Here are six of the most common environmental allergies.

Common Environment Allergies

• Pollen - Pollen is one of the most common allergy triggers. Most pollen allergy symptoms can be treated with avoidance measures or over the counter medication.

• Dust Mites - Dust mites are found in mattresses, pillows, upholstered couches, and carpets. Dust mites can cause significant issues with nasal congestion, sinus infections, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Good home hygiene can help reduce your exposure to dust mites. Change furnace and air conditioner filters regularly, and use high-quality pleated filters. 

• Pets & Animals - Have your pet spend more time outside if possible and bathe your pet weekly to reduce shedding. Allergens are also found in your pet’s saliva and urine, so make sure to minimize your exposure to the cat litter box.

• Mold & Mildew - If your allergies act up more during the fall it is most likely due to mold and mildew. Avoid piles of leaves, limit indoor plants, keep your windows closed and use a dehumidifier. 

• Cigarette Smoke - Cigarette smoke is an irritant rather than an allergen, but it can cause problems for people who already have environmental allergies. Avoid cigarette smoke as much as possible.

• Cockroaches - Cockroaches cause severe asthma and allergies. Thoroughly clean and treat your home to remove and avoid future cockroaches. 

Food 

Food allergy symptoms are most common in babies and children, but they can appear at any age. You can even develop an allergy to foods you have eaten for years with no problems.

While any food can cause an adverse reaction, eight types of food account for about 90 percent of all reactions:

• Eggs

• Milk

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts

• Fish

• Shellfish

• Wheat

• Soy

   

Symptoms

• Vomiting and/or stomach cramps

• Hives

• Shortness of breath/wheezing

• Repetitive cough

• Shock or circulatory collapse

• Tight, hoarse throat; trouble swallowing

• Swelling of the tongue, affecting the ability to talk or breathe

• Weak pulse

• Pale or blue coloring of skin

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Anaphylaxis

A food allergy will usually cause some sort of reaction every time the trigger food is eaten. Allergic reactions to food can affect the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. Typically, a skin and/or blood test will be performed to diagnose a food allergy. Once a food allergy is diagnosed, the most effective treatment is to avoid the food.