Have You Been Tested for Allergies?

Allergies affect as many as 50 million people in the United States. Allergies are often to blame for that persistent rash on your skin, for digestive distress, for sneezing and stuffy noses, or for red, watery eyes. Allergies can also cause you to feel fatigued and achy. In some cases, allergies can even be deadly if not caught in time.

Have you been tested for allergies? These simple skin tests can prevent much misery and even save your life. Testing is available at any of the locations of South Plains Rural Health Services.

Seasonal allergies

You’re probably familiar with seasonal allergy symptoms. You may have a stuffy or runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. You may also have ear congestion, an itchy throat, and watery eyes. Tree and grass pollen may be to blame. Relief is possible, and the team can recommend strategies such as keeping windows shut and exercising indoors to limit your exposure to allergens. We can also recommend over-the-counter medications and decongestants and, in severe cases, prescriptions, such as steroid nasal sprays, to help you make it through the season.

Seasonal allergies can also be irritating for people with asthma and trigger an asthma attack. At South Plains Rural Healthy, we can also help you manage asthma.

Pet, dust, and mold allergies

Pet, dust, and mold allergies have similar symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and itchy eyes and throat. Before you send Kitty or Spot to a new home, it’s a good idea to find out what the source of your allergy is.

Pet allergies can often be resolved with allergy shots, known as immunotherapy. Dust allergies may require better home management – such as removing wall-to-wall carpets and minimizing humidity in the house. Mold allergies may require more thorough cleaning of wet and damp spaces.

When you know the cause of your allergy, you’re better able to eradicate the cause and not just guess at treatment.

Food allergies

Food allergy symptoms vary – some people may have mild symptoms while others have severe reactions. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can cause you to stop breathing and affect your heart.

Food allergies can also worsen with repeated exposures. What was a mild reaction can turn more serious when you continually consume food to which you are allergic.

The most common food allergies include:

• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Dairy
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Wheat
• Soy

These foods account for 90% of food-related reactions. Getting tested helps you know exactly what foods to avoid so you can avoid digestive distress, rashes, or anaphylaxis that your allergy may cause.

Other allergies

Allergies can develop in response to certain types of drugs, substances – like latex—or insects. The symptoms associated with these allergies may be mild, but they can also cause anaphylaxis.

At South Plains Rural Health Services, we can help you identify these suspected allergies so that you can avoid dangerous situations. If you do have a life-threatening allergy, we can also set you up with an EPI pen – a shot of epinephrine – which helps your system calm down until you can reach emergency care.

Don’t just suffer through allergy symptoms. Find out their cause so that you can get a solid treatment plan that helps you find relief. Call one of the locations of South Plains Rural Health Services, or book an appointment online to discuss allergy testing.