Allergy

Bee and Wasp Sting Allergies For many individuals, a bee or wasp sting results in a painful, but minor irritation, usually limited in severity. For some susceptible individuals however, the injected venom can trigger a severe, or even life-threatening (anaphylaxis) allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be specific to one area (localized) or throughout the body (generalized). Individuals with moderate to…

Penicillin Allergy Testing Penicillins are commonly prescribed antibiotics that treat bacterial infections. Penicillin allergies are rare but can occur. The allergy to penicillin occurs when the immune system becomes hypersensitive to the penicillin and mistakes the drug for a harmful substance. In response to penicillin, the body releases chemicals to fight the antibiotic, causing an allergic reaction. Penicillin allergies can…

Medication and Drug Allergies Medications are an important part of curing and controlling illness, however, all medications have the potential to cause side effects that can range from mild to life-threatening. It is important to take medications exactly as they are prescribed, and to discuss with your prescribing provider if you experience side effects. According to the American Academy of…

Food Allergies Food allergies are most common in infants and children, but they can appear at any age. It is even possible to develop an allergy to foods that had previously been eaten regularly with no symptoms. Individuals who believe they may have an allergy, have a history of allergies, or require treatment for their allergies are advised to see…

Urticaria (Hives) Urticaria is the medical term for hives, which appear as red, itchy, raised rashes on the skin. Urticaria can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, chest, and back. The rash can be localized on one part of the body or spread across large areas. Rashes may clear within six weeks (acute urticaria) or, more rarely, persist…

Asthma Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways in the lungs to be inflamed. These airways, or bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs. When the airways are inflamed, they swell and make it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. This limited capacity for air movement causes symptoms…

Allergy Testing Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless, normal foreign substance, called an allergen, that it has been sensitized to. When the allergen comes into contact with the body, the immune system reacts to inflame the area. Allergy symptoms depend on the substance involved and their severity can range from mild to extreme.An allergy skin…

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Allergic rhinitis develops when the body’s immune system recognizes an otherwise normal, harmless substance as an intruder. This allergy-inducing substance is known as an allergen and it causes allergic symptoms. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever. It is a common disorder that affects between 10% to 30% of the U.S. population (World Allergy…