Allergies are the symptoms and responses you feel when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. When your immune system is triggered, it produces antibodies that attack the allergen that it has labeled as harmful, even though in most cases it is not. This reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways, and digestive system which is the cause of the swelling, itchiness, discomfort, and pain you may experience.
The severity of allergic reactions can vary dramatically from person to person. From a minor irritation to anaphylactic shock, which is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. While most allergies cannot be cured, it is important to be aware of these reactions in your body in order to avoid those allergens and symptoms more easily.
Track Your Max in Webster, TX has a wide spectrum of tests including allergy panels for food allergies & sensitivity, indoor allergies, and outdoor allergies.
Food Allergies
Like other allergies, when you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as something harmful. In response, your immune system triggers cells to release an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the allergy-causing substance.
These IgE antibodies sense the allergen and signal your immune system to release a chemical called histamine into your bloodstream. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.
The majority of food allergies are triggered by proteins in:
- Crustacean shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster, and crab
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts, such as walnuts and pecans
- Fish
- Chicken eggs
- Cow’s milk
- Wheat/Gluten
- Soy
Indoor Allergies
Indoor allergies are triggered by allergens found in the home or other indoor locations. Common indoor allergies include mold, dust mites, pet dander, and even cockroaches. Indoor allergies are usually seasonal and more difficult to avoid in some cases. Still, the allergic reactions can be just as serious as any other allergy.
Outdoor Allergies
Outdoor allergies have triggers that exist primarily outdoors. Common triggers include different types of grass, trees, and ragweed pollen as well as mold.
While outdoor allergies have a different set of allergens than indoor allergies, their symptoms are often similar.
Some of the most common outdoor allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose
- Scratchy throat
- Coughing
It is also very common for these allergies to be seasonal because of the pollination seasons and weather conditions in different seasons. If you start to notice any of these symptoms after spending time outside, they could be signs of an outdoor allergy.
Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivity or food intolerance is often a non-life-threatening inconvenience that can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Food intolerances affect your digestive system. People who suffer from food sensitivity, cannot digest certain foods. Common symptoms include gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Food sensitivity is not the same as a food allergy as there is no immune system response to food sensitivity. Instead, most symptoms are based in your stomach and occur a few hours after eating the trigger food.
Common foods that people find difficult to process include:
- Lactose: Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant do not make enough of the lactase enzyme to break down lactose.
- Histamine: Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals in foods like cheese, pineapples, bananas, avocados, and chocolate. People who are histamine intolerant don’t make enough diamine oxidase enzyme to break down this chemical.
- Gluten: Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Those with gluten intolerance have a harder time digesting gluten.
The physicians and consultants at Track Your Max in Webster, TX dedicate themselves to providing essential services to people who are taking their health seriously. Our team of professionals can help provide you with data and understanding of your own body and refer you to the correct healthcare provider to meet your needs.
