5 Signs that you are suffering from allergies

Even for the chronic sufferer, an allergic reaction - to pollen, particular allergy causing foods or other irritants - is not always immediately evident. The symptoms can be confused with everything from a bug bite to a common head cold or sinusitis. Still, a preponderance of symptoms should give one a clear idea of what is happening. Here is a quick rundown on what to look for to determine if you are suffering from allergies:

Odd taste in mouth – The human body is highly attuned to its wants and needs. As much as it likes to tell you what and when to eat, it will also quickly inform you if an unwanted substance is introduced. If you encounter an unwanted taste in your mouth, consider the source.

Scratchy throat – This symptom is most pronounced if a food allergen is ingested – with results often within just a few seconds! – but dermal contact with a plant or the inhalation of another allergen can also produce this effect.

Nasal congestion / Watery eyes – Once the allergen is introduced to the body in whatever way, the body's natural defenses try to rid itself of them. Mucus and tears are the first symptoms but nausea and diarrhea can follow within a couple of hours.

Skin rash – More commonly known as “hives,” this skin rash will develop within an hour or two of being exposed to the allergen. Many people think that this condition is only provoked by touching poison ivy or some other irritant. To the contrary, any allergen – whether touched or not – can cause hives.

Obstructed breathing – This symptom manifests itself in a number of ways – most notably with the swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. Usually the most troubling of allergic reactions, this symptom can even be life threatening.

For further information on recognizing and dealing with an allergic reaction, please contact us at Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates. We can be found online at AllergyArizona.net or reached directly at 602-242-4592.

Few Dangerous insects that cause allergies

With desert flowers, spring rain,it also means that the insects also come out of hibernation.  Tiny as they are, even the smallest insects can provoke a truly outsized reaction in an Arizonan if they sting a susceptible individual. The anaphylactic shock – allergy to you and me – that they cause can range from mildly irritating to downright deadly. For those with this particular disability, it pays to know what you are dealing with. Here is a quick rundown on the four most dangerous insects in this category which cause allergies in Phoenix that we treat often at our Phoenix allergy clinic

Household Pests

While most folks worry the most about insect bites in the “great outdoors,” the majority of insect bites are actually inflicted upon humans inside the home. With their tiny bites, spiders, mites and fleas can trigger inflammations and rashes. In addition, cockroaches and other non-biting insects can leave detritus that will trigger asthma or asthma-like symptoms.

Stinging Insects

There are a whole panoply of insects – bees, yellow-jackets, hornets, stink bugs and fire ants to name just a few – that like to perpetrate their particular brand of nastiness on the human race. Each of their toxins is different but the results are usually the same. A cold compress applied to the puncture wound will fix most of these injuries but it is also good to keep a rescue inhaler on-hand just in case.

Biting Insects

Everyone has been bitten by a mosquito at one time or another. For some, it is a relatively minor inconvenience but for others, it is a far more serious situation. Similarly, the bites of bedbugs, fleas and certain flies are also painful and can potentially provike a life-threatening allergic event. Keep your linens laundered on a regular basis to avoid this problem

For more information on insect allergies and the best way to deal with an anaphylactic reaction to a sting or bite, please contact us at Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates. We can be found online at AllergyArizona.net or reached directly at 602-242-4592.