Allergies & Hay Fever

More than 7% of all children and adults suffer from hay fever, the most common allergy and a top cause of chronic disease. If you can’t get relief from allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion, it’s time to get help from Lakshmi Reddy, MD, at Allergy and Asthma Institute, LLC. Dr. Reddy provides complete care for allergies and hay fever, including allergy testing, customized treatment, and allergy shots, that significantly ease your symptoms. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Duluth, Georgia, or book online today.

What causes allergies and hay fever?

Allergies begin when your immune system mistakenly labels a safe substance as something that can harm your body. Every time you touch, inhale, or consume that substance in the future, it triggers allergy symptoms. 

Common allergens include:

• Pollen (trees, flowers, grasses, weeds)
• Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
• Mold spores
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Food proteins
• Insect venom
• Medicines
• Nickel
• Latex

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, has two forms:

Seasonal hay fever

Seasonal hay fever occurs when you’re allergic to tree, grass, and/or weed pollen. You have seasonal symptoms because plants release pollen at different times of the year.

Perennial hay fever

You can have hay fever all year long if you’re allergic to pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches, and mold.

What symptoms do allergies cause?

Allergies cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of allergen and the severity of your reaction.

If you have hay fever (allergic rhinitis), your symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Postnasal drainage
• Stuffy nose
• Coughing or wheezing
• Red, watery eyes
• Swollen eyes
• Dark circles under your eyes
• Itchy nose, throat, and eyes

Allergies can also cause symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Allergies to foods, medicines, insect stings, and latex can cause a reaction called anaphylaxis. During an anaphylactic reaction, symptoms such as hives, swelling in your tongue and throat, and difficulty breathing appear rapidly. 

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. You need to inject epinephrine (if you have it) and call 911 immediately. 

How are allergies and hay fever diagnosed?

Allergy and Asthma Institute, LLC, performs skin prick allergy testing. They place a small drop of multiple allergens on your arm and gently prick the skin. You wait in the office for about 15 minutes to see if you have a skin reaction. You’re allergic to any substance that causes a small, red bump to appear.

How are allergies and hay fever treated?

If you have mild allergies, you may get the relief you need with over-the-counter medications. Your provider also helps you create a lifestyle plan to avoid your allergens. For moderate to severe allergies, or if you’re at risk for anaphylaxis, your provider recommends allergy shots.

If you need help with allergies, call Allergy and Asthma Institute, LLC, or book an appointment online today.