Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, requiring immediate medical attention. Although anaphylaxis can develop in response to any allergen it is frequently caused by insect stings, latex exposure, foods, and medications. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, hives, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and rapid treatment, are as important as determining the cause for anaphylaxis.

Asthma is a potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition that causes a narrowing of the airways. Asthma may run in families, and those who suffer from allergies are at an increased risk of developing asthma. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, and shortness of breath. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are many treatments that can manage the condition.

Reactions to drugs and vaccines pose a serious public health risk. Allergic reactions to medications, including ingredients in prophylactic medications such as vaccines may range from mild to severe. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a drug include hives, rashes, fevers, shortness of breath, swelling, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, anaphylaxis can occur. An allergist can help diagnose drug and vaccine allergies. Penicillin (beta lactam) allergy is a common complaint by patients. However, true penicillin allergy is quite uncommon. Penicillin allergy testing helps to determine who is allergic to this important antibiotic and those who may take it safely.

Allergic reactions to normally harmless substances in the environment are referred to as environmental allergies. Commonly found environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Symptoms of environmental allergies include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, wheezing, fatigue, headaches, coughing, and hives. A variety of treatments are available to mitigate symptoms of environmental allergies, such as allergy immunotherapy (injections and sublingual) and medications.

Food allergies are on the rise, and although some people may only experience mild symptoms, in others food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions. Symptoms of a food allergy may include stomach cramps, hives, rash, angioedema, coughing, wheezing, itching, vomiting, or diarrhea. Accurate diagnosis of foody allergy requires obtaining a detailed history so that thoughtful, targeted allergy testing by skin tests and/or blood tests may be completed. In office, oral food challenges may be necessary in some cases as well. Once your food allergies are identified, you may modify your diet to avoid known allergens. A food allergy action plan, including having epinephrine (autoinjector or nasal) in case of emergency, will be provided. Advanced food allergy treatment options include a biologic injection (omalizumab) and oral immunotherapy.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised areas on the skin that may appear as small to large welts. Hives are common and often appear without warning at any age. Hives lasting less than 6 weeks (“acute”) often result from an allergic reaction to substances found in the environment, food, drugs, vaccines, and animals. Hives lasting more than 6 weeks (“chronic”) may not have an identifiable cause but are treatable. Inducible hives are caused by physical triggers such as exercise, scratching skin (dermatographia), pressure, vibration, cold, heat, and water. Hives may be short-lived or flare up repeatedly. Treatments for hives include avoidance of triggers, oral antihistamines, biologic injections, and immunosuppressants.

Systemic responses to insect stings can be life-threatening for those who are allergic. Allergic reactions to insect stings may produce symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, itching, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Allergy shots with Hymenoptera venom (bee, wasp, yellow jacket, and hornet) or imported fire ant provided over time (desensitization) can help prevent serious consequences from an insect sting. Those with a known allergy should also carry epinephrine.