What Airborne Particles Cause Allergic Reactions?

When the body’s immune system overreacts to a foreign substance with irritating or life-threatening symptoms, it may mean that a person is experiencing an allergic reaction. Individuals of all ages commonly experience allergies, and there can be numerous triggers in their surrounding environments. At Blue Elk Family Clinic, Dr. Larry Sanchez works with patients throughout and near Nashville, IN to identify allergy triggers and to create personalized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms.

What are allergies?

Allergies are reactions that the body experiences when the immune system responds to a foreign substance called an allergen. When foreign substances enter our bodies, our immune system produces antigens to bind and capture the substances to prevent harm. However, this reaction may get overexaggerated and result in an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild to severe, including:

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Runny or itchy nose

• Watery eyes

• Itchy throat

• Trouble breathing

• Hives or other skin rashes

• Facial swelling

• Gastrointestinal distress (in food allergies)

• Swollen tongue or itchy mouth

• Wheezing

• Chest tightness

• Asthma attack

Types of allergens

There are numerous types of allergens that can be categorized into the following categories:

• Foodborne allergens

• Airborne allergens

• Medications

• Insect stings

• Touch or latex allergies

Reactions to allergens vary from person to person, and some individuals may not be allergic to particles that commonly cause allergic reactions. At Blue Elk Family Clinic, Dr. Sanchez can help patients identify unique allergy triggers to aid in allergy treatment.

What airborne particles cause allergic reactions?

Common airborne particles that can cause allergic reactions may include:

• Pollen

• Mold

• Animal dander

• Dust mites

• Fungal spores

• Tobacco smoke

Some airborne particles that cause allergic reactions circulate unknowingly through households, causing uncomfortable symptoms that many may not think are allergic reactions.

Are allergic reactions dangerous?

While some allergic reactions are mildly irritating, such as coughing, sneezing, or watery eyes, other allergic reactions can be life-threatening without immediate treatment. Common triggers for life-threatening allergic reactions may include:

• Peanut allergy

• Shellfish allergy

• Medication allergy

• Latex allergy

If you have a personal or family history of allergies, it’s essential to seek consultation and treatment right away to prevent serious complications.

Available treatments for allergies

At Blue Elk Family Clinic, Dr. Sanchez offers patients multiple treatment approaches for allergies based on their current allergies and medical history. Available treatments for allergies include:

• Allergy shots

• Alternative naturopathic intervention

• Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medication

  • Decongestants

  • Antihistamines

Can some allergies go away over time?

In some cases, patients may outgrow some of their allergies. This can happen for children with occasional food allergies. However, many allergic reactions stay with individuals for their whole lives. Typically, the best route to a higher quality of life is to learn how to manage symptoms day by day.

Learn more about allergies and treatment options

If you reside in or near Nashville, IN and wish to learn more about treatment options for allergies, contact us at Blue Elk Family Clinic and schedule a consultation today. Dr. Larry Sanchez will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies based on your unique symptoms and allergy triggers.