If you have some type of allergy, you are not alone. The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America reports that nearly one in three adults in the United States have a seasonal allergy, a food allergy or eczema. In fact, allergies are one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention, both in the outpatient setting and on an emergency basis.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as an invader or danger to the body. When this happens, the immune system goes into overdrive, which leads to allergy symptoms.
Some types of allergies, such as seasonal allergies, can simply be pesky and annoying, while other allergies can be serious and even life-threatening. At Hattiesburg Clinic, our team of board-certified allergy specialists has the expertise needed to diagnose and treat all types of allergies.
Many people will experience adverse reactions when taking a medication—and up to 5% of those people will actually have an allergy to the medication. The most common causes of drug allergies include antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, anti-inflammatories and anticonvulsants.
Food allergies, which are a reaction to a specific protein, are often diagnosed in young children, but they can also develop in older children and even adults. Nine foods are the most common culprits for food allergies: cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat.
Conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can be triggered by food proteins, including those in common allergens like eggs and wheat. In rare cases, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPEIS) can cause delayed gastrointestinal reactions, such as vomiting or diarrhea, after eating foods like rice or oats, along with other allergens.
In Mississippi, we are often plagued by increased exposure to certain pollens in the spring and fall, which trigger these allergies. Seasonal allergies or pollen allergies are also called “hay fever” and “allergic rhinitis,” and they can be triggered by tree pollen, grass pollen or weed pollen.
It is possible to experience allergic reactions related to multiple types of animals, including pets and insects. Pet allergies may occur when coming in contact with a dog or cat’s urine, saliva or dander. Allergic reactions to insects may be related to exposure to cockroaches or dust mites, can be caused by a sting from a bee, wasp or fire ant or may be related to a bite from a mosquito or a tick.
The team of allergists at Hattiesburg Clinic can diagnose and treat the allergies listed above, as well as allergies to latex and mold. We have specialty training in identifying the triggers of allergies through allergy testing and providing effective treatment to alleviate and prevent symptoms. Treatment varies but may include preventive medications, allergy shots and emergent medications to prevent anaphylaxis.