Allergies

Allergies can significantly impact your quality of life, ranging from mild discomfort to severe allergic reactions. Identifying and managing allergies is essential for individuals seeking relief from symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Consulting with an allergy specialist is a crucial step in understanding and addressing allergic conditions. Allergy specialists, also known as allergists or immunologists, are medical professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of allergic disorders.

The services of allergy specialists extend beyond diagnosis, as they work closely with patients to develop personalised treatment plans. By seeking the guidance of an allergy specialist, individuals may gain valuable insights into their specific allergic triggers and access effective management strategies to lead a more comfortable life.

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Allergy Life Australia

Allergy Life Australia is a national non-profit DGR-registered charity organisation. Its mission at Allergy Life Australia is to support, empower and advocate for the lives and lifestyles of those living with Allergies in Australia by providing awareness, support, empowerment and connection through a range of modern programmes and initiatives to improve the lives and lifestyles of Australians living with allergies.
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Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

ASCIA, established in 1990, serves as the principal professional body for clinical immunology and allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. As a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), ASCIA is committed to advancing the science and practice of allergy and clinical immunology.

What is a
Allergist

Allergies are a common condition where the immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are typically harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can trigger various symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, hives, or more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, and they can develop at any time in life. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, insect stings, and medications. Understanding the type of allergy and the specific triggers is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat and responds by releasing chemicals like histamine. This response leads to the symptoms associated with allergies. The exact cause of why some people develop allergies while others do not is not fully understood, but genetics plays a significant role. If one or both parents have allergies, their children are more likely to develop them. Environmental factors, such as exposure to allergens at an early age or during pregnancy, can also increase the risk. Additionally, conditions like asthma or eczema are often linked to a higher likelihood of having allergies.

Treatments Available for Allergies

Avoidance

The most effective way to manage allergies is to avoid the allergens that trigger symptoms. This might involve using air purifiers, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, or avoiding certain foods.

Medications

Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can help alleviate allergy symptoms. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary to control the reaction. These medications work by reducing the immune system's response to allergens or by blocking the release of chemicals that cause symptoms.

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

For those with severe allergies or when avoidance and medications are not effective, allergy shots might be recommended. This treatment involves receiving regular injections of the allergen in gradually increasing doses to build up tolerance. Over time, this can reduce or even eliminate the allergic response.

Emergency Treatment:

For life-threatening allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, immediate treatment with an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) is crucial. People with severe allergies should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and be trained in how to use it.

FAQs

How can I tell if I have allergies or just a cold?

Allergies and colds share some similar symptoms, like a runny nose or sneezing, but they have key differences. Allergies typically cause itchy eyes, and symptoms persist as long as the allergen is present. Colds, on the other hand, usually resolve within a week or two and may come with a fever or body aches, which are not typical of allergies.

Can allergies be cured?

While there is no cure for allergies, they can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. In some cases, allergy symptoms may lessen over time, especially with treatments like immunotherapy, but they often require ongoing management.

Are allergies hereditary?

Genetics play a significant role in the development of allergies. If one or both parents have allergies, their children are more likely to develop them. However, the specific type of allergy may differ from one family member to another.

Can allergies develop later in life?

Yes, allergies can develop at any age. Some people may develop allergies during childhood, while others might not experience symptoms until adulthood. New allergies can also emerge even if you had no allergies before.

How do I know what I am allergic to?

To identify what you are allergic to, you can undergo allergy testing, such as a skin prick test or blood tests, which can determine specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. Consulting with an allergist can help diagnose your allergies and develop a treatment plan, which may include allergy medications or avoiding allergens. Understanding your allergy triggers is essential for managing and treating allergies effectively, whether it's seasonal allergies or allergic reactions to certain foods or environmental factors.

What are the 7 allergy symptoms?

The 7 most common allergy symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, itchy skin, and hives. In more severe allergies, symptoms can escalate to difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, and anaphylaxis. These allergic symptoms occur when the immune system reacts to a harmless substance, called an allergen, such as pollen, animal dander, or certain foods, triggering an allergic response.

Why are my allergies so bad right now?

Allergies can worsen due to several factors, such as high pollen counts, exposure to new or increased levels of allergens, or changes in weather. Seasonal allergies, like hay fever, often peak in spring and fall when pollen from trees, grass, and ragweed is at its highest. High pollen counts can trigger symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. Additionally, indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander can contribute to year-round allergy symptoms.

What is the best thing for allergies?

The best thing for allergies is to avoid known triggers and manage symptoms with effective treatments. Allergy medications, such as antihistamine nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and nasal sprays, are commonly used to treat allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. In more severe cases, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended to reduce the immune system's overreaction to allergens. For immediate relief, antihistamines are often effective.

What are the 10 most common allergies?

The 10 most common allergies include hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which is triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. Other common allergens include mold, certain foods (such as peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish), insect stings, latex, and certain medications. These allergies can cause a range of allergy symptoms, from mild sneezing and a runny nose to severe allergic reactions like difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.

Can allergies develop at any age?

Yes, allergies can develop at any age, even if you have never had them before. Some people develop allergies as children, while others may not experience symptoms until adulthood.

What causes allergies?

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to substances that are generally harmless. The exact cause of why some people develop allergies is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What are the common symptoms of allergies?

Common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, itching, runny or blocked nose, watery eyes, skin rashes, hives, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.