Related Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Allergies

Home » Diseases » Allergies » Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Allergies

What is allergic rhinitis?

A term that applies to anyone who has a runny nose, nasal congestion, or sneezing because of an allergic reaction. Sinusitis often accompanies rhinitis.

What is seasonal allergic rhinitis?

Generally called hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by the pollen of trees, grass, weeds or mold spores. It is called seasonal because it may occur in spring, summer, or fall and last until the first frost.

What is an allergist?

An allergist is a pediatrician or internist who has gone through two to three years of specialized training in diagnosing and treating allergies. An allergist performs tests to determine whether you are suffering from allergies and creates a treatment plan for you to control your allergies.

How do I know if my child has allergies?

You pediatrician or allergist will need to determine if your child suffers from allergies. There are blood tests and skin tests that can be administered to determine if the child has allergies and what triggers the allergies.

Will my child outgrow his or her allergies?

Often children do outgrow their allergies. If they are going to outgrow them it will normally happen by the age of three. It is more likely that a child would outgrow an allergy to food rather than an allergy to other allergens. Infants inherit a tendency towards allergies from their parents. If the parent has outgrown the allergy then it is likely the infant will also.

Does breastfeeding help prevent allergies?

There is no evidence that breastfeeding protects a child from developing allergies but it may delay the onset of allergic reactions in babies. By delaying the introduction of solid foods to babies they may not develop allergies as early as they would otherwise. However, this will not prevent allergies from occurring at a later age.

Is pollen season the same time each year?

Pollen seasons begin and end approximately the same time each year in the same location. However, the weather and other environmental factors can cause the season to change each year.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that needs food, air, water, and the right temperature to grow. There are thousands of types of molds. Mold is common in homes with excessive moisture. Mold grows from water damage, excessive humidity, leaky plumbing, damp basements, and sewer backups, just to name a few.

How do I know if I have a cold or allergies?

Sneezing and wheezing during the spring and summer indicates you may be an allergy sufferer. Allergies begin after immediate exposure to an allergen and last as long as the exposure lasts. Colds generally occur during the winter months and usually last only a week or so. Both may cause itchy eyes and nose but you generally run a fever accompanied by aches and pains with a cold. If you are unsure whether you have a cold or allergies, check with your doctor.

Next Page: Asthma Overview

Related Allergies Articles