Online Patient Education Materials

Documents for Allergy

• Allergies to Animals Show Details

  Description

  Animal dander (dead skin that is continually shed), urine and saliva can cause an allergic reaction. Exposure to these allergens, especially breathing in particles which include dander, cause the allergic reaction to animals.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/29/2011

• Allergies to Dust Mites Show Details

  Description

  Dust mites are microscopic animals, too small to be seen with the naked eye. The droppings and decaying bodies of dust mites are important allergens. These dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, old clothing and soft stuffed toys. They feed on human skin scales. Dust mites are most common in humid climates. They don't survive when the humidity is below 40-50%. If droppings of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin, they may cause allergy, asthma and/or eczema symptoms.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Allergies To Insect Venom Show Details

  Description

  Pollens aren't the only allergens in the air. There is another potential bunch of allergens being flown around inside a special injection device that, when encountered, may threaten the lives of those who are sensitive to it...insect venom! The primary offenders are most often insects that sting rather than those that bite. These insects are members of the order of Hymenoptera of the class Insecta. Stinging insects of concern are found in three families.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Allergies to Latex Show Details

  Description

  Latex a kind of natural rubber made from the sap of a tree - can be found in many items. It is found in bicycle and wheelchair tires, toys, some balloons, examining gloves, household gloves, surgical tubing, rubber bands and condoms. When someone is allergic to latex, that person is actually allergic to one or more proteins (allergens) found in the sap from the rubber tree. Interestingly, these proteins or ones very similar to them can be found in banana, kiwi, avocado, potato, strawberries, peaches and chestnuts, since people who are allergic to latex often have crossreactions to these foods.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Allergies to Medications / Drugs Show Details

  Description

  Allergies to drugs / medications are complicated because they can be caused by many different medications, resulting in a wide variety of signs and symptoms that may affect various organs or parts of the body. Furthermore, some drugs can cause adverse effects whose symptoms closely resemble those of an allergic reaction. The difference is that true drug allergy is caused by a hypersensitive immune system that creates IgE antibodies against an otherwise harmless substance in the medication. One characteristic of all drug allergies is that similar symptoms will occur every time soon after the offending medicine is taken.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Allergies to Mold Show Details

  Description

  Many types of molds live in our environment. Mold grows in indoor and outdoor areas that are warm, dark and/or moist. Molds reproduce and grow by sending tiny spores into the air. Inhaled spores cause allergy and asthma symptoms.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Allergies to Pollen Show Details

  Description

  The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. If you have allergic tendencies and are exposed to certain things in your environment (allergens), you may develop allergies to some of those things. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, eczema and rash. The timing of the allergic response may be immediate or delayed. Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify your allergies.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Allergy Testing Show Details

  Description

  Allergy tests can be done to help identify if you are allergic and what you are allergic to. Once allergies are identified specific avoidance and treatment measures can be recommended. There are several types of allergy testing.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Anaphylaxis Show Details

  Description

  An allergy can cause a life-threatening reaction. This is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis s is the most severe type of allergic reaction. It is very rare. Medicines, insect stings, foods and latex can cause anaphylaxis.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  1/28/2011

• Anti-IgE Treatment Show Details

  Description

  Anti-IgE is a form of treatment for allergic diseases that has been approved for the treatment of asthma. Anti-IgE interferes with the function of IgE. IgE is an antibody in the immune system. IgE tells immune cells to initiate allergic reactions. This may bring on symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, hives and swelling. Anti-IgE attaches to IgE in the blood and helps prevents the allergic reaction.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  2/8/2011