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Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system. People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment. This substance (pollen, mold, animal dander, etc.) is called an allergen.
Allergy symptoms can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe (anaphylactic).
Mild reactions include those symptoms that affect a specific area of the body such as a rash, itchy, watery eyes, and some congestion. Mild reactions do not spread to other parts of the body.
Moderate reactions include symptoms that spread to other parts of the body. These may include itchiness or difficulty breathing.
A severe reaction, called anaphylaxis, is a rare, life-threatening emergency in which the response to the allergen is intense and affects the whole body. It may begin with the sudden onset of itching of the eyes or face and progress within minutes to more serious symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as varying degrees of swellings that can make breathing and swallowing difficult. Mental confusion or dizziness may also be symptoms, since anaphylaxis causes a quick drop in blood pressure.
Questions Your Doctor May Ask to Diagnose Allergies
Your doctor will likely ask you a series of questions to help determine if your problem is allergy related. They could include:
What type of symptoms do you have?
How long have you had these symptoms?
When symptoms occur, how long do they last?
Are your symptoms seasonal (come and go throughout the year) or do they last year-round?
Do your symptoms occur when you are outdoors or indoors, such as when you clean your house?
Do your symptoms get worse when you are around pets? Do you have any pets?
Do you smoke? Does anyone in your family smoke?
Are your symptoms interfering with your daily activities or interrupting your sleep?
What makes your symptoms better? What types of treatments have you tried? What allergy drugs are you taking now? Do these medications provide relief? Do they cause unwanted drowsiness?
What other medications are you taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements?
What type of heating system do you have? Do you have central air conditioning?
Do you have any other health conditions, such as asthma or high blood pressure?
Are you having difficulty with your sense of smell or taste?
What makes your symptoms worse?
How much can you modify your lifestyle to reduce your exposure to these allergens?
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