Ask Allergy Expert

Ask Allergy Expert/Allergy Specialist/ Allergist

Step 1: Verify the symptoms you are experiencing:

Common symptoms of allergy include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Frequent headaches
• Extremely dry, itchy skin
• Hives
• Fatigue

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergy.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis:

• Generalized urticaria and angioedema
• Itching, tightness in the throat and
• Hoarseness of voice
• Skin itching, hives, redness
• Vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen
• Respiratory difficulty,
• A cough, wheeze

Only a few symptoms may be present. The severity of symptoms can change quickly.

Step 2: Attend any medical facility / Allergist’s Chamber.

Bring all past medical records. Tell your physician about the symptoms.

Step 3: Do Allergy test.

Your physician may advise you to do certain test to find out the cause.

Most common Allergy test includes the following:

• Skin test/Skin Prick Test (SPT)
• Blood test to detect allergen-specific IgE
• Elimination diet
• Oral food challenge

Step 4: Follow medication as prescribed by your physician.

Your Allergist most probably prescribe any of the following medication

Medications include-

Antihistamines: the most common medicine used for allergy. These medicines are effective in mild to moderate allergic reactions.

Most common Antihistamines include but not limited to:

• Fexofenadine
• Cetirizine
• Levocetirizine
• Desloratadine

Decongestants:

The decongestant can be used to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. These medications can be used for a short period of time.

Decongestants include:

• Oxymetazoline
• Pseudoephedrine
• Phenylephrine

Eye drops:

These medicines can be used for a short period of time.

Corticosteroids:

• Steroid nasal sprays for a long term.
• Oral steroid for a short period of time.

Immunotherapy:

• Immunotherapy or allergy shots can change the natural history of allergic disease.
• It can cure allergy in a few patients.
• It requires long-term treatment.

For severe allergic reaction or in anaphylaxis:

Injection Adrenaline/ Epinephrine. This can be given by personal adrenaline autoinjector or in the hospital.

You can ask a question on Allergy by filling up the following form. This is for a further opinion from the expert. But please remember that a personal contact with any Allergist / Physician is the best for any patient. Any internet advice is not the substitution of any medical condition. It may take time to respond to each and every query.