- If I am allergic to a specific tree, am I also allergic to the nut it produces? Or things that it may be cooked with it?
Most people with respiratory allergies (hay fever or asthma) due to a specific tree do not have food allergy from the nut it produces. They can consume the nut or foods containing the nut without any problem. If you have had problems in the past after consuming the nut, your allergist will be able to determine whether you are allergic to it.
- If I had allergy testing and I tested negative, why do I still have allergy symptoms?
This can happen due to a number of reasons. Firstly, and most commonly, if your complete allergy testing was negative, then you most likely do not have specific allergic sensitivities. Allergy symptoms in this case can occur due to a condition known as non-allergic rhinitis. Non-allergic rhinitis is often due to a non-specific irritant response to airborne particles (including pollens, but without a specific allergic antibody), strong odors, smoke or fumes. In a few instances specific non-allergic causes can be identified, such as irritants in the environment or side effects of certain medications. Secondly, it is theoretically possible that you are indeed allergic, but skin testing for allergies was negative. This would be a rare event, as skin testing for allergies is highly sensitive. Thirdly, you could be allergic to something in the environment that was not tested. This also happens very rarely since all of the allergens common to this geographic area are included in the testing panel.
- Do allergies make you feel tired?
Some people with severe allergies can have fatigue and tiredness during an allergy flare due to the significant release of allergic inflammatory mediators. This is why the colloquial term “hay fever or “cedar fever” has come into use.
- Is the mold count outside the same inside?
The mold count outside depends on specific environmental conditions, such as geographic location, temperature, humidity, light intensity, wind etc. The mold count inside a building depends on how well it is ventilated to the outside and whether there is any mold actually growing inside. In a building that is well ventilated to the outside and no mold growing inside, the mold spores found inside will be the same as those found outside and the count will be the same or less than outside if there is a ventilation system utilizing special allergy reduction filters or HEPA filters. HEPA filters also reduce other indoor airborne allergens. If there is mold growing inside the building due to water damage or pipe leaks, the type of mold and the spore count will likely be different than the mold outside.
- Can allergies affect your asthma?
Yes, environmental allergies can certainly worsen asthma. People with poorly controlled seasonal allergies tend to get asthma worsening during their allergy season.
- Can allergies cause fever?
Allergies generally do not cause a fever. Presence of fever could indicate an infection such as a viral cold or sinusitis. However, “feverish” symptoms with severe allergies may occur due to the significant release of allergic inflammatory mediators.
- Can you have asthma only during allergy season?
Yes. Some people have ‘allergic asthma’ which is due to allergy to seasonal allergens such as pollens. These people can have asthma symptoms only during the pollen season.
- How do I know if I have allergies or a cold?
The symptoms of allergies and cold can be similar and difficult to distinguish. However, certain characteristics may be helpful in distinguishing the two. For example, presence of a fever usually indicates a cold and not allergies. On the other hand, if you get symptoms after exposure to specific environmental stimuli, like exposure to cats, dogs, dust etc., this generally indicates the presence of allergies. Your allergist will be able to confirm the diagnosis of allergy by taking a detailed medical history and appropriate allergy testing.
- How do I know I’m allergic to a specific food?
Most allergic reactions to foods occur within minutes of consuming the particular food. Symptoms may consist of the following:
- Hives or red/itchy skin
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Itchy/runny nose, sneezing or itchy/watery eyes
In some cases the allergic reaction may be severe and life threatening. Such a reaction is called anaphylaxis and may consist of:
- Swelling of face/lips/throat, hoarseness, lump in throat
- Cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing or chest tightness
- Feeling faint or dizzy, palpitations, tingling and numbness in fingers
- Feeling of impending doom
Call 911 immediately if you experience any of these severe symptoms. Your allergist will be able to confirm the diagnosis of food allergy using detailed history, skin testing and sometimes blood tests.
- I’ve never had allergies before, why do I have them now?
The reason for this might lie in the root cause of allergies. It is thought that they occur due to a combination of genetic (inherited) susceptibility to allergies and specific environmental conditions that the person is exposed to. In most people allergies develop in childhood and may persist through adult life. However, it is not uncommon to develop allergies for the first time in later life. Such people might not have had the specific environmental exposures until later in life. For example, some people develop allergies after moving to a new city or country where they are exposed to new allergens in the air like pollens, animal dander etc. It takes months to years to develop sensitization to new allergens after moving to a new place and develop symptoms. Often however, it may seem that allergy symptoms began fairly soon after arriving in a new location. This could likely be due to a preexisting allergic sensitivity, but a much higher level of exposure to the relevant allergen in the new environment.
- What are antihistamines?
Anti-histamines are commonly used over-the-counter and prescribed medications that are used in the treatment of allergies. Many of the symptoms of allergies are due to a chemical produced in the body known as histamine. Histamine binds to histamine receptors in various tissues resulting in a multitude of allergy symptoms. Anti-histamines block these receptors and prevent histamine from binding to them preventing some allergy symptoms. Antihistamines do not however address the underlying allergic sensitivities or the resultant inflammation.
- How long are allergy shots good for?
Allergy shots or immunotherapy is a long term commitment. To get the most benefit, patients should plan on being on immunotherapy for a minimum of three years at a maintenance dose, with a better long term response when used for five years. Studies have shown that the beneficial effects of allergy shots should last for at least 3 years after stopping them. Allergy shots may be also used safely for longer term maintenance if medications are either not effective, resulting in undesirable side effects, or if there is a desire not to be reliant on medications long term.
