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What Causes Allergies and What Can I Do About It?
If you find that you regularly experience allergy symptoms during different phases of the year or in certain situations, then you’re likely allergic to things that can be difficult to avoid. Allergies happen when the body’s immune system reacts to substances called allergens, which are usually harmless to most people. You generally have to be exposed to a substance more than once before you’ll react to it. Most people affected by allergies have a family history of allergies or related conditions such as asthma or eczema. The number of people with allergies is increasing every year. There are a lot of common allergens that you can come into contact with in different ways, but it’s important to know that when you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system treats it as an intruder, and allergies and their symptoms are treatable with the right allergy team. Here’s what to know about types of allergies and how we can help.
Pollen Allergies and Allergic Rhinitis
One of the most common types of allergies happens during seasons like the early Fall or Spring when plants and trees generate lots of pollen. This pollen can be carried in the air and cause some miserable symptoms for a few weeks out of the year. A common name for this is hay fever, and the medical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis, which is triggered by airborne pollen.
In Denver, tree pollen—mainly from cedar, cottonwood, and aspen—peaks from February to May, while grass pollen, primarily from Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and timothy grass, peaks from May to August. Denver features year-round allergies, with tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in late spring and summer, and weed or mold allergies in late summer and fall. Allergy symptoms in Denver include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, coughing, fatigue, and postnasal drip. Monitoring local pollen counts and checking forecasts can help manage outdoor activities during allergy season. For seasonal allergies, starting allergy medicines a couple of weeks before your allergy season begins is recommended for the best symptom control.
Pet Allergies and Pet Dander
Being allergic to cats or other pets with fur usually means that your body negatively responds to animal proteins commonly found in things like pet dander (dead skin cells), saliva, or urine. Animal dander is a common indoor allergen. In Denver, indoor allergens such as animal dander, mold, and dust mites are present year-round due to low humidity. There can be varying levels of severity with pet allergies, where you might experience symptoms by simply being around someone who has a pet. Or, you may only experience symptoms when being near a pet.
Food Allergies
There’s a huge variety of foods that can cause allergic reactions and to different degrees. Although peanut allergies are one of the most well-known, other food allergies can include shellfish, milk, eggs, corn, soy, and many more. Some people experience a reaction simply by being around someone who is preparing these foods while others can eat these foods with minimal reactions.
Drug allergies are another type of allergy that can cause severe reactions, such as airway swelling and vomiting, and should be recognized and managed carefully.
If you have a food allergy, you should always check a food’s ingredients list for allergens before eating.
Mold and Dust Allergies
Both of these particles can be found in your home in amounts that depend on the level of cleanliness. Managing allergies in Denver involves reducing exposure to certain allergens, using HEPA filters, and washing clothes or showering after outdoor activities to minimize contact with pollen and other triggers. These can be the biggest culprits in allergies you experience in the winter since you likely spend more time indoors. Mold allergies can also flare up in the late Fall because of dead, wet leaves that are commonly raked up during yard work.
Using saline nasal sprays can help rinse allergens from your nasal passages and alleviate symptoms, especially in Denver’s dry climate. A saline nose rinse can also help cut down mucus and rinse allergens out of your nose, providing additional relief.
Insect Bites and Stings Allergies
Insect bites and stings are a common cause of allergic reactions, with symptoms that can range from mild irritation to severe, life-threatening responses. While most people experience only minor redness, swelling, or itching after an insect bite or sting, some individuals are at risk for more serious allergic reactions. Common allergens in this category include bee, wasp, and ant venom, which can trigger severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the throat.
If you notice any of these severe symptoms after an insect bite or sting, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately, as these may indicate a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Doctors diagnose allergies to insect bites and stings by reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and performing allergy testing, such as blood tests or skin prick tests. Identifying your specific triggers can help you avoid future reactions and develop an effective treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
How Can I Treat Allergies?
Allergies can be managed in several different ways, but the major methods include avoiding allergens and controlling your environment, as well as medical treatments like allergy medicines, immunotherapy, and even surgery.
Effective treatments for allergies in Denver include over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids.
- Antihistamines work by blocking certain cells in the body from receiving histamine, which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation in the nose and block allergic reactions from developing.
- Decongestants help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve nasal stuffiness. Mast cell stabilizers block the release of chemicals in the immune system that lead to allergic reactions, while leukotriene receptor antagonists block the action of important chemical messengers involved in allergic reactions.
Some allergy medicines, such as decongestants and corticosteroids, can elevate blood pressure and should be used cautiously in people with high blood pressure. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medicine for allergies, as some treatments can make symptoms worse in certain individuals, especially those with asthma or sensitivities. Treating allergies may require a combination of avoidance, medication, and specialized clinical care, such as clinical immunology.
Environmental control can include avoiding your known allergens and reducing the number of allergens in each environment such as your bedroom or home. This might include using climate control and maintaining clean surfaces and filters (make sure to wear a mask when changing these!). The most effective way to manage an allergy is to avoid the allergen that causes the reaction whenever possible.
Common allergies should be identified for proper management and to help guide treatment options. Immunotherapy is a more sophisticated and long-term way to treat your allergies. It works by training the body’s immune system to reduce its harmful reaction to allergens. This can be in the form of allergy shots or sublingual drops that are administered at our practice. In addition, our surgeons can assess anatomical issues with your nose and sinuses. Often, nasal or sinus surgery can significantly improve allergies and your management options.
In short, you have plenty of options for improving your allergy symptoms and getting the treatment you need. During a consultation, our allergy team can create a customized treatment plan for your individual needs.
Severe Allergic Reactions: What to Know and Do
A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and may include symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat or chest tightness, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or a sense of impending doom. These symptoms signal a life-threatening situation, and emergency treatment is essential.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends that anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions carry an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, at all times. Knowing how to use this device properly can save lives. If you or someone around you experiences a severe allergic reaction, use the epinephrine auto-injector immediately and call for emergency medical help. Even after administering epinephrine, it is important to seek further medical evaluation, as additional treatment may be necessary to prevent symptoms from returning.
Allergy Testing: How Is It Done?
Allergy testing is an important step in identifying the specific allergens that trigger your allergic reactions. There are several methods available, including skin prick tests, blood tests, and elimination diets. During a skin prick test, a small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on your skin to observe for a reaction. Blood tests can measure allergy-related antibodies in your bloodstream, helping to pinpoint which common allergens are causing your symptoms. In some cases, an elimination diet may be recommended to identify food allergies by removing certain foods and monitoring for improvement.
Allergy testing should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as an ENT professional, allergist or immunologist. Accurate diagnosis through allergy testing allows for targeted treatment and better management of your allergic symptoms.
Immunotherapy: Long-Term Relief for Allergies
Immunotherapy, often referred to as allergy shots, offers long-term relief for people struggling with persistent allergic symptoms. This treatment involves receiving regular injections of small amounts of an allergen, helping your immune system gradually build up tolerance and reduce reactions over time. Immunotherapy is especially effective for seasonal allergies like hay fever, as well as allergies to insect stings and certain foods.
For some allergens, sublingual immunotherapy, which is placing a tablet or liquid under the tongue, may also be an option. By reducing your sensitivity to specific allergens, immunotherapy can help you enjoy life with fewer symptoms and less reliance on daily medications.
Lifestyle Changes for Allergy Management
Making thoughtful lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing allergy symptoms and reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions. The most effective strategy is to avoid allergens whenever possible. For example, if you are allergic to dust mites, using allergen-proof bedding and washing sheets in hot water can help minimize exposure. Those with pet dander allergies can benefit from keeping pets out of bedrooms and using HEPA air purifiers to filter tiny particles from the air.
It is recommended that individuals with food allergies always read food labels carefully and ask about ingredients when dining out to avoid accidental exposure. Supporting your immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy habits can also help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions. By working closely with your healthcare provider and making informed lifestyle choices, you can take control of your allergies and improve your overall quality of life.
Schedule an Appointment in Denver, Lone Tree & Castle Rock
At Associates of Otolaryngology, we’re proud to offer a variety of allergy treatment options and comprehensive plans to help you break free of allergy symptoms. To meet with our allergy team and learn more about your options, contact our Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock offices by calling or filling out our online form.
Associates of Otolaryngology, or, AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies has been serving multiple generations of families across the Denver Metro area since 1969. Our group of board-certified surgeons has been providing award-winning treatment and exceeding patients’ expectations with our specialized ENT services for over fifty-five years.
Thanks to our exceptional providers, we are an all-encompassing, comprehensive ENT practice. Our expert team of specialists includes general ENT surgeons, head and neck surgeons, sleep, sinus, and allergy specialists, and facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons. In addition, our team of providers is supported by doctoral-level audiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
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