Miami Allergy Tests: Identifying Allergy Triggers & Treatment Types

1. July 4, 2017 Miami Allergy Tests: Identifying Allergy Triggers & Treatment Types According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), over 50 million Americans have an allergy of some kind. Medical News Today states that worldwide, allergies can affect up to 35% of people at some time in their lives. Page | 1

2. There are various types of allergies that trigger reactions like skin rash, tightening of the throat and difficulty breathing. The reactions are different for everyone and also depend on the allergen that triggered the reaction. Food Allergy The most common culprits are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, and eggs. The ACAAI accounts these food types to 90% of all allergic reactions in America. While these are the usual ones, there are also rare food allergies. People can be allergic to meat like beef, lamb and goat, citrus fruits like lemon and lime, and fruits like banana, apple, and coconut. Typically, a reaction is almost instant, and hives appear on the person’s face and body. The person experiences shortness of breath and swelling of the tongue upon ingestion. Skin Allergy Another type of allergy is the skin allergy, generally called Eczema, which is more common among children than adults. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, appears as a skin inflammation, characterized by redness, roughness, and cracking. Eczema can be triggered by environmental factors like hot and cold temperatures and irritants such as soap, detergent, and shampoo. Food like nuts, fruits, vegetables and meat can also trigger reactions, as well as allergens like dust, pets, and pollen. Rhinitis Rhinitis or hay fever is seasonal and caused by pollen that floats in the air. It can also be triggered by allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold, as well as strong odors like Page | 2

3. perfume and cigarette smoke. People with rhinitis get itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and sneeze quite frequently due to the inflammation of their nasal lining. Asthma Allergens that trigger asthma are almost the same as those of rhinitis. What occurs in asthma however, is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes which carry air to and from the lungs. People suffering from asthma experience a shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. Other symptoms include wheezing and coughing. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Allergy Attacks Allergy tests can help prevent allergy attacks and are conducted through skin prick tests and blood tests. By determining the allergens that trigger reactions, patients know which allergens to avoid, whether it be food or air pollutants. Patients are advised to avoid allergens that trigger symptoms, however there are various forms of medication that can prevent reactions and reduce the frequency of attacks. Practices like the Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care conduct tests and treatments for a wide range of allergies to residents of Miami and the surrounding areas. Page | 3

4. About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care: Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care serves the Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Established in 1947, they are the largest allergy and asthma treatment center in South Florida offering highly specialized services including allergy testing and treatment for immune system related disorders including allergic skin diseases and food and pet allergies. Sources: Types of Allergies: Food Allergy, ACAAI.org Allergy Testing, ACAAI.org Skin Allergy, ACAAI.org Page | 4