Allergies are a problem for many people. Various things can trigger an allergy attack, such as pollen, food, medication, and insect stings. Given that allergies are something that most people experience, there’s a tendency for people to ignore this condition. What happens if you just let it be and leave it untreated? Let’s explore why treating your allergies is important.
Anaphylaxis
The scariest symptom you could face if you shrug off your allergies is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that causes your immune system to malfunction. Your body will go into anaphylactic shock, the symptoms of which are:
- Constricted airways
- Fainting
- Skin reactions, such as hives, itching, flushed or pale skin
- Hypotension
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Weak pulse
Anaphylactic shock can quickly become lethal if left untreated. This symptom alone should encourage you to get an allergy test to determine what you are allergic to.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which you intermittently stop breathing while you are asleep. While obstructive sleep apnea has a variety of causes, one potential cause is allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis causes nasal congestion, blocking your airways. Signs of obstructive sleep apnea may include:
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased libido
While these symptoms are not necessarily life-threatening, they are highly uncomfortable and can get in the way of your activities. Getting a diagnosis and staying on a treatment plan can prevent these symptoms.
Asthma
Asthma and allergies often come hand in hand. Allergic reactions can cause you to experience asthma-like symptoms, such as:
- Wheezing. Wheezing is an almost musical-sounding noise that happens when you inhale or exhale.
- Shortness of breath. This occurs when you’re unable to get enough oxygen into your system. This symptom becomes even more of a problem during exercise. You may find yourself gasping for air. Shortness of breath can also occur upon waking up.
- Coughing. Allergies can also cause the same effects as cough-variant asthma. This cough will most likely feel dry and forceful without expelling any mucus. If left untreated, it will most likely result in an itchy, irritated, and damaged throat.
Additional Complications
While allergies are often associated with sneezing and runny noses, they can put you at risk for other problems not directly related to the allergy. For example, allergic rhinitis can cause a variety of problems if left untreated, such as:
- Hearing impairment
- Nasal polyps
- Migraines
- Chronic fatigue
Treat Your Allergies in Georgetown and Greater Austin, TX
Allergies can make your daily life more complicated and may also lead to various health complications. Over-the-counter medications are viable for minor allergic reactions. However, severe or chronic cases may require the assistance of healthcare professionals. Regardless of the severity of your allergies, it is best to get tested to know what you’re allergic to and seek treatment as soon as possible.
If you’re in Williamson County in central Texas, look no further than Georgetown ENT. We provide allergy testing and state-of-the-art immunotherapy treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for your allergy issues. You can contact us at (512) 869-0604, or you may visit our website to book an appointment online.
