Elgin area allergy doctor describes hives
At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois, we understand how allergies can greatly affect one’s lifestyle. Some patients have severe allergies that may cause them to watch everything they eat or are exposed to while other patients may benefit from medication when they know they may be exposed to their allergen. Visiting an allergy doctor in the Elgin area is the best way to determine the severity of one’s allergies, the trigger for their allergic symptoms, and the best ways to treat the condition when the problem arises. Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff help men, women, and children get a proper diagnosis and effective treatment solutions for their concerns.
Allergies can present themselves in a myriad of ways, and some patients may experience hives. Hives are blotchy, red, itchy lumps on the skin that can result in a related condition known as angioedema. This can result in the swelling of the eyes and mouth, which can cause the tongue to swell and block the airway. It is rare for hives to be life threatening, though they can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and troublesome.
There are two types of hives – acute and chronic. Acute hives tend to occur in children or younger adults, and may last just a few days or several weeks. Chronic hives, on the other hand, may be persistent. This type of hives can last months or even years depending on the severity and the cause. In most cases, hives are a result of an allergic reaction and may be more common in patients dealing with genetic or immune system disorders.
Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois has several treatment options in place to help make patients more comfortable and provide effective relief for the swelling and itching. This is done by administering antihistamines that are either prescribed or available over-the-counter to block the chemicals that are responsible for the allergic reaction. Some patients who have severe situations or reoccurring attacks may be better protected by keeping an epinephrine device on hand for emergencies.
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