Allergies is something that you probably hear many time, especially depending on where you live. They can be minor inconvenience, a problem for some and even life threatening for others. Here we look at allergies, what they are, what causes them and proper medical attention for those suffering from allergies. As always this information does not take the place of your doctor, you should always seek advice and follow advice given from your doctor or any other medical personnel when it comes to dealing with allergies and allergic reactions.
Definition of an Allergy
Allergies is the body’s natural reaction to what it considers a foreign substance. The body calls on the white blood cells to attack the foreign substance. Certain things that may not cause one individual harm can cause a person with allergies to have a reaction in which the immune system reacts to the allergen. Sometimes this is a mild reaction and other times it can be a severe reaction with violent symptoms. Knowing these symptoms can help you determine when to see a family practice doctor or when to make an immediate trip to an urgent care doctor to remedy the allergy attack.
Types of Allergies
Many things can be allergies to different people, once again it all depends on the person’s body. Food can cause allergy attacks in individuals. These attacks range in severity from mildly uncomfortable to a life threatening situation. Seasonal allergies are typically brought on during springtime when trees and flowers start to bloom. These allergic reactions are typically uncomfortable but can be controlled with medicine. Animals are known to cause allergic reactions. The dander from pets can cause skin rashes and even breathing difficulties in some. Insects are prone for causing allergic reactions in some individuals. Most people get uncomfortable after effects from being bitten or stung by insects, but allergic reactions are sever and usually require urgent medical care. Medications can cause allergic reactions ranging in severity from simply stopping the medication to needing to see an urgent care doctor. Chemical allergies typically cause minor allergic reactions that usually subside once the chemical is no longer used.
When to go to the Doctor
Seeing your doctor for allergies is sometimes the only thing needed. Minor allergic reactions from some triggers can be alleviated in the doctors office. Sometimes steroids are prescribed to stop a minor allergic reaction. Minor reactions that your doctor can treat include reactions that are not wide spread and contained to one part of the body. Minor irritations that don’t limit daily activities and minor swelling that is not near the eyes, mouth or throat can be treated by your doctor. Allergic reactions showing these signs can be addressed with a simple visit to your family doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Some allergy symptoms are not so simple and must be treated and stopped immediately. Those who suffer from asthma and find it difficult to breathe should get immediate care as this is life threatening. Individuals who have severe allergies to foods and use an EpiPen should seek emergency care for allergy symptoms, especially if the EpiPen needed to be used. Insect bites that result is swelling larger areas of the body should be seen immediately, by an urgent care doctor, but insect bites that involve swelling of the face, mouth or throat should get immediate emergency attention as this can be life threatening.
Knowing when it’s okay to go to your family doctor, seek help from an urgent care doctor or go to the emergency room can be a matter of life and death for someone with severe allergies. If in doubt never hesitate to call and request immediate emergency help. Always make sure that you and your doctor have an allergy plan in place and that it is visited regularly in order to add relevant information or change information. Allergies can be a hassle for some, but for some they are life threatening. Knowing how to treat allergic reactions is vital.