Common Allergies in Adults Q&A

Several allergies are common in adults, from airborne allergens to food allergies. The most common include:

• Pollen — One of the top allergens in the world is pollen, which is produced by trees, grasses, and flowers. In many regions, the revelatory yellow residue on the ground indicates that the pollen season is underway. When this occurs, allergy sufferers should initiate preventative measures, such as staying indoors on windy days, taking antihistamines as needed, and using a clean air filter inside.

• Dust Mites — One of the most common substances on the planet, dust can lead to a significant number of allergies. It is not dust alone that causes allergies, but the substances produced by dust mites that trigger reactions. The most common reactions are sneezing and a runny nose; these can be prevented by cleaning accumulations of dust.

• Food — Many adults suffer from food allergies. Foods that cause allergic reactions include tree nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews), milk, peanuts, soy, shellfish, and gluten. The allergies can be triggered by exposure to the food as part of a recipe or by consuming them whole (such as drinking a glass of milk).

• Medication — Certain medications, especially penicillin, can cause allergic reactions in adults. Penicillin remains one of the medications most likely to cause allergic reactions in patients, which can trigger anaphylaxis in some cases.

• Insect Bites and Stings — Bites and stings from insects, such as those from bees, wasps, and ants, can also trigger allergic reactions in adults. The reactions range from mild swelling to anaphylactic shock; serious cases require immediate medical attention.

• Pet Dander — Indoor pets such as cats and dogs occasionally, and unintentionally, trigger allergic reactions in adults. Pet hair and dander can trigger a host of allergic reactions, most commonly a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.

Allergy symptoms depend on the substance involved and can affect the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose, eyes, or mouth
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Watery, red, or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

A food allergy can cause:

• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

An insect sting allergy can cause:

• A large area of swelling at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over the body
• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy can cause:

• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis can cause the skin to:

• Itch
• Redden
• Flake or peel
• Anaphylaxis

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Loss of consciousness
• A drop in blood pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Lightheadedness
• A rapid, weak pulse
• Nausea and vomiting

One of the main ways to tell what food you are allergic to: eliminate one food at a time from your diet until symptoms disappear; or, change to a restrictive diet and reintroduce foods one at a time until the food in question is identified.

The best way to know what kind of allergies you have is to consult an allergy specialist, such as an allergist. While there are ways to find out on your own, it is always best to consult a professional, as they are the only ones that can provide an accurate diagnosis.
 
If you are experiencing allergic symptoms, come to Primary Care Center today. Contact us or book an online appointment with our adult-onset allergy doctor. We have convenient locations to serve you in Webster and Pasadena, TX. We serve patients from Webster TX, Pasadena TX, South Houston TX, Brookwood TX, Seabrook TX, Bacliff TX, and surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!