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Types of Allergies South Florida ENT Associates

Learn about allergies from your Pembroke Pines ENT.

Allergies got you down? An allergy involves a reaction by your immune system, often to common substances. AN ENT doctor can help you get rid of your allergies. ENT doctors specialize in conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Craig Shapiro and Dr. Sina Joorabchi at Broward Center for Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy in Pembroke Pines, FL and serving Broward County, offer treatments for allergies. Here's a rundown of the most common types of allergies.

1. Drug Allergy

If you an allergic reaction after taking a certain medication, you may have a drug allergy. In many cases, the allergic reaction is mild. Severe cases can lead to shock and may be life-threatening. A serious, widespread allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. It may affect airways, skin, and organs. It happens quickly after taking a medication, often within seconds or minutes. Individuals with drug allergies may experience symptoms regardless of whether their medication comes in pill, liquid, or injectable form.

2. Food Allergy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies affect about 4 to 6 percent of kids and 4 percent of adults. Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs after eating a certain food. Symptoms of a reaction can include wheezing, hives, digestive problems, dizziness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat. Severe reactions can be life-threatening.

3. Pollen Allergy

Over 25 million Americans are allergic to pollen, which are the tiny spores that plants release. The spread of pollen helps to fertilize plants — and can mean misery for allergy sufferers. The symptoms of a pollen allergy may include red, itchy, and watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy throat, wheezing, sneezing, or coughing. 

4. Skin Allergy

A skin allergy occurs when your skin touches something that your immune system believes is dangerous -- even though it isn't. Causes can include contact with poison ivy, perfume, latex, dyes, topical medications, detergent, cosmetics, and some metals. In someone with a skin allergy, the skin may turn dry, rough and scaly. It may develop a reddish color, swell into hives, or even ooze and crack as a result of irritation. 

5. Dust Allergy

Dust allergies affect about 20 million Americans. Their symptoms often worsen during or after dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming. The symptoms of a dust allergy may include watery eyes, coughing, nasal congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Go to an emergency room if shortness of breath rapidly worsens or if you're short of breath with minimal activity.

6. Insect Allergy

Fire ants, bees, wasps, and yellow-jackets are the most common stinging insects that can cause an allergic reaction. Most people stung by these insects recover within hours or days. In others, it can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction. Flies, fleas, mosquitoes, and bedbugs are common biting insects known to cause a reaction. Most people bitten by insects experience pain, itching, redness, stinging and swelling in the area around the bite. In rare cases, insect bites can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction.

7. Pet Allergy

Do pet allergies have you sneezing and wheezing-- again? Pet allergy is an abnormal immune reaction to proteins in an animal's skin cells, saliva, or urine. Pet allergies can run in families and occur more often in people with asthma. The symptoms of a pet allergy may include nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy throat, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Allergies can interfere with your day-to-day activities and lessen the quality of your life. Get relief today with Broward Center for Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy in Pembroke Pines, FL also serving the Hollywood area. Call 954-438-7171 now to schedule an appointment. We want you to live your best life!

If you suffer from persistent congestion or sinus pain, every day feels like a struggle. But there is a way to stop the headaches, the runny noses, and the sleepless nights. Schedule your consultation at South Florida ENT Associates today to get relief from your ENT issues and start breathing freely again.

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