Inhalants (dust mites, animal dander, molds, and pollen), insect stings and certain foods can cause allergic reactions. Common foods associated with allergic reactions are peanut, milk, soy, wheat, and a few others. Our body responds differently to different kinds of allergies. The onset of allergies can occur at any age, although they usually begin in childhood.

Often the symptoms of allergy develop gradually and are varied. The severity of allergies ranges from person to person. Some experience mild allergies like a small rash while others may have a life-threatening emergency like anaphylaxis.

Inhalants (dust mites, animal dander, molds, and pollens), result in symptoms like

• Itchy eyes and nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Post-nasal drip
• Cough, and Sore throats.

Certain foods can cause allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like

• Hives
• Rashes
• Eczema
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Tongue swelling, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis

Whether it is inhalants or foods and/or stinging insects, we test for all types of allergies, and also the extent and severity of them. Testing can be done through a Blood test or Skin test. Skin testing is the most reliable for diagnosing allergies to airborne substances like dust mites, pollen. Skin testing can also be done in two ways - Skin Patch testing and Skin Prick testing.

The severity of allergies ranges from person to person. Some experience mid allergies like a small rash while others may have a life-threatening emergency like anaphylaxis.

Allergies can be treated in two ways:
      i. Medication
      ii. Immunotherapy

If you are indeed allergic, treatment with one or more medicines can help you; examples of medicines are nasal steroid sprays, nasal antihistamine sprays, oral antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, oral steroids, topical eye drops, topical creams, and inhalers.