Common airborne allergens can float around in air and be carried by wind, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of allergies. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Just like our body wants to fight off viruses, bacteria, and fungi, it also reacts to and tries to rid itself of allergens. Allergens can be many different things including pollens, food, drugs, pet dander and insect bugs or stings. When your immune system produces antibodies (fight signals) in response to these allergens, the resulting symptoms manifest as allergic reactions.
There are different types of allergies, including:
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are common and often due to plant pollen.
Allergic asthma is triggered by allergens (e.g., dust mites), that lead to asthmatic symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, and difficulting breathing.
Food allergies are triggered by ingesting certain food (e.g., shellfish).
Drug allergies are triggered by reactions to certain medications (e.g., certain antibiotics).
Latex allergies are triggered by reactions to latex materials (e.g., rubber gloves).
Common airborne allergens can float around in air and be carried by wind, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
Anaphylaxis can occur rapidly, typically from seconds to minutes, of exposure to the allergen. This severe allergic reaction occurs due to food, insect stings, and drug allergies. In addition to the moderate allergy symptoms listed above, anaphylaxis symptoms can also include a throat tightness, difficulty breathing, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.
Here is a summary of options that can help treat allergy symptoms:
Preventing coming into contact with potential allergens
Over-the-counter medications
Prescription medications
Allergen immunotherapy
Epinephrine
Depending on the severity of your allergic reactions, ways to control or manage allergies include some combination of the following allergy treatments:
Exposure prevention or avoidance
Allergy medications
Immunotherapy or allergy shots
Epinephrine
While there are times the allergen responsible for your allergy symptoms is easily recognizable, there are times when you are not sure what is causing the allergy reactions. Doctors can help diagnose the causes of allergies. Your primary care doctor can also refer you to an allergy specialist if needed.
You can also see a doctor if your allergy symptoms are not going away with over-the-counter allergy medications, or if you developed allergic reactions when starting a new medication.
Doctors can perform a few allergy tests to help diagnose allergies:
Skin test: Also known as skin prick test, the test is typically performed on a small and inconspicuous area on the forearms. The doctor or nurse will then prick your skin and expose the skin to the allergen. If you are allergic, an allergic reaction will be visible on the test site within 15 minutes or so.
Patch test: A little less invasive than the skin prick test, the allergen is simply placed on the skin and then covered with a bandage. The doctor then checks for an allergic reaction after 48 to 96 hours.
Blood test: When skin testing is not a viable option due to interference from medication, the doctor can order blood work to be performed. The test is also known as Specific IgE (sIgE) blood testing. This test measures the amount of allergy triggering antibodies in the blood.
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin can help relieve allergies fast and help with common allergic symptoms such as sneezing or a runny and stuffy nose. Other allergy medicines that can help relieve allergic nasal symptoms are nasal steroids such as Flonase and Nasacort. Additionally, the tablet called Singulair (montelukast) can tackle both asthma and allergy symptoms if taken daily. Finally, immunotherapy shots or tablets given by an Allergist can help reduce and prevent severe allergy symptoms.
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PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Mayo Clinic. "Allergies: Diagnosis & Treatment." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Accessed October 5, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351503.
Cleveland Clinic. "Allergy Overview." Cleveland Clinic, Accessed October 5, 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergies,
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "Allergy Treatments." AAFA, Accessed October 5, 2023, https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/.
Mayo Clinic. "About Allergy Tests." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Accessed October 5, 2023 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-tests/about/pac-20392895
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.