Could your runny nose or nagging cough be signs that you have allergies? Your Southlake and Fort Worth, TX, allergists, Dr. Rene Leon and Dr. Ali Shakouri of Texas Regional Asthma and Allergy Center can help you determine if allergies are responsible for your symptoms.
Common allergy signs and symptoms
It's easy to confuse allergies with a cold or another viral infection, particularly if you've never had allergies before. Although cold symptoms usually go away in a week or two, allergy symptoms tend to linger.
An allergic reaction happens when your immune system mistakenly views a harmless substance as a dangerous invader and mounts an attack to protect you. If you have allergies, you may notice that your symptoms are worse in the spring or fall or after you've been exposed to an allergen. Allergens include pollens, grasses, mold, dust, dust mites, fungal spores, cockroaches, animal dander, and foods.
Signs and symptoms of allergies may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Red, watery, or itchy eyes
- Headaches
- Dark circles under the eye
- Fatigue
What to do about allergies
Reducing your exposure to allergens is a simple way to decrease sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes. You may find you have fewer symptoms if you use dehumidifiers, air-conditioners, and air purifiers in your home. Vacuuming and mopping floors often and taking your shoes off inside can also help you reduce allergens inside your home.
Determining which allergens trigger your symptoms will help your allergist create a treatment plan for you. During your visit to the Southlake or Fort Worth office, your doctor may perform an allergy test that will help him identify the substances that trigger a reaction.
Depending on your specific allergies, your treatment plan may include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops, and other medications that ease your symptoms and prevent allergic reactions. Immunotherapy may also be an option. A series of shots containing tiny amounts of allergens makes your body less sensitive to the effects of the allergen, reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms.
Do you think you may be suffering from allergies? Call your allergists in Southlake and Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Rene Leon and Dr. Ali Shakouri of Texas Regional Asthma and Allergy Center, at (817) 421-0770 to schedule your appointment.