Allergy Types

What Are the Different Types of Allergies?

There are many types of allergies, each with its own causes and symptoms. No matter which one you’re dealing with, Ear, Nose and Throat Associates is here to help you find relief.

Pollen Allergies

Pollen allergies, sometimes referred to as “hay fever” or “seasonal allergies,” occur during specific times of the year. There are three types of allergy-causing pollen in Ft. Wayne:Penicillin Testing

• Tree pollen: peaks in early spring
  • Oak, birch and cedar pollen
• Grass pollen: peaks in mid-spring to mid-summer
  • Ryegrass and Bermuda grass pollen
• Weed pollen: peaks in late summer to early fall
  • Ragweed, plantain and nettle pollen

Your symptom severity will depend on the pollen count in your area; when the count is high, your symptoms will be more severe. How long your allergies last will depend on which types of pollen trigger your symptoms.

Mold Allergies

Molds are fungi that produce spores. People with mold allergies react to the spores that molds release into the air. Those with a family history of allergies and asthma or people who live in a building with high humidity, excess moisture or poor ventilation are more likely to experience mold allergy symptoms. Additionally, certain occupations are also risk factors, including:

• Farming
• Dairy work
• Logging
• Millwork
• Baking
• Carpentry
• Greenhouse work
• Winemaking
• Furniture repair

Not every type of mold causes allergies. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium are among the known allergenic molds.

Food Allergies

Common food allergies include crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, chicken eggs, cow’s milk, soy and wheat. Food allergy symptoms vary widely in severity. Mild to moderate symptoms include:

• Itching or irritation of the mouth
• Itching, hives or eczema
• Nasal congestion

Severe symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Swelling of the lips, tongue and face
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• A weak or rapid pulse

Severe allergy symptoms, collectively called anaphylaxis, require immediate medical care.

Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are triggered by proteins in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine. They are most commonly the result of dander or dead skin flakes shed by a pet. While cats and dogs are the most well-known sources, any furry friend can cause allergies.

Insect Sting Allergies

Honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants are the five known insects to cause an allergic reaction. Like food allergies, insect sting symptoms vary widely in severity. In mild cases, you’ll notice swelling or hives at the sting spot. In severe cases, you can develop anaphylaxis and will need to seek emergency medical attention.

Drug Allergies

Penicillin and antibiotics containing sulfa drugs are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction. Some drug allergies are misdiagnosed, as is the case with many penicillin allergies, so you should schedule an allergy test to confirm any recorded drug allergies. A severe drug allergy can result in anaphylaxis. Your provider will list drug allergies on your medical record to prevent future reactions.

Schedule Your Allergy Test Today

Knowing which allergen causes your reaction is crucial to avoiding the substance and safeguarding your health in the future. Contact our experts at Ear, Nose and Throat Associates to schedule your allergy test.