yes i would like to know how you can tell the difference between allergies and if you have?
438067
That is very touchy. you might want to ask your doctor for some advice on that one as to what is safe to take and what is not safe to take.
493017
Stop the medicine and call your doctor.  You have developed an allergy to the medicine.  Regardless of how many times you have taken it, allergies can develop at any age.\n\nCall your doctor and he or she will change your medicine.
549830
it might be allergies! talk to a doctor.
657651
I commend you for preparing for your appointment with the allergist.  Being an informed patient fosters communication with doctor(s) and helps you make informed choices about your treatment plan(s).  I hope the following information is helpful in getting you as healthy as possible.  \n\n\nFirst of all, here are some "basics" that were helpful for me to know:\n#1: A better term for "allergies" is "hypersensitivities".\n\n#2: Allergies are grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year, or where symptoms appear on the body. \n\n#3:  Types of Allergies: \na) Indoor (aka “Nasal” Allergies)\nb) Outdoor (aka “Hay Fever” and “Nasal” Allergies) \nc) Food & Drug \nd) Latex \ne) Insect\nf) Skin\ng) Eye\n  \n\n#4: There are two ways to test for hypersentivities*:\na. Skin \nb. Blood \n\n\n#5: Hypersensitivities/ Allergies change with time.  Yup, just because you are not allergic to something in the past doesn’t assure you will not develop hypersensitivity down the road.\n\n#6: Hypersensitivities/ Allergies can be managed.  There is/are no cure(s).\n\n#7: Treatment does not make you hypersensitive -/ allergen-free.  There is/are no cure(s).\n\n#8: Most allergists do NOT test for or help with food hypersensitivities.  \n\n\n\nSo, with all that in mind, it is IMPERATIVE to know WHY you and your primary care physician (PCP) need the expertise of an Allergy & Immunology specialist.  Is it because: \n#1: You have never been diagnosed or tested?\n\n#2: You and your doctor want to rule out food hypersensitivity?  \n\n#3: You and your doctor suspect a NEW hypersensensitivity to certain foods, pets, drugs, etc.?\n\n#4: A preexisting condition - asthma, environmental hypersensitivity, skin disorder, etc. – require medications such as epinephrine and/or other prescriptions?   \n\n\n\nOnce you’ve ascertained the reason why you are seeing an allergist, here are some questions you may want to ask the allergist BEFORE your appointment:\n#1: Do you test for food allergies?\n\n#2: Do you treat food allergies?\n\n#3: Do you view food hypersensitivity as seriously as environmental hypersensitivity?\n\n#4: (If the allergist does treat food allergies.)  Do you prescribe epinephrine for severe food reactions?\n\n#5. Is there anything I need to do with my medication(s) to prepare for my appointment? \n\n#6. Do you practice/ prescribe alternative treatment (aka Naturopathy***)? \n\n\n\nTo make the most out of doctor visits, it always a good idea to:\n#1. (Especially on your initial visit)\nProvide thorough information (past & present) related to your hypersensitivities/ allergies**.  \n\n#2:  Provide an accurate and detailed list of all prescribed and over-the-counter products (include vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements/ shakes, herbs, etc.) you are currently taking.\n\n#3.  Update your list every time you see a provider\n\n\n\nLastly, if you have additional questions or would like more information, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) now provides online access to an allergy specialist.  Questions can be submitted online at http://www.aafa.org/ask_allergist_online.cfm
399750
Some allergies DO develop as you get older.  That happened to me and I have been told that it is not unusual.
332481
If you go to www.wedmd.com you can type in your perscription medication and it will tell you what it reacts to. It is a useful tool. I used to use it all the time when my father was alive. He was on 19 different medications for his heart, kidneys, gout, and allergies. \n\nFurthermore if in doubt check with a pharmacist and/or doctor. \n\n*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and all information given should be noted as such. For professional opinions contact your personal physician.*
353157
http://allergies.about.com/od/fatigue/a/aa042305.htm\n\nIt could very well be....
501432
First of all, you can only have an allergic reaction to something you have previously been exposed to. People are always surprised when they develop an allergy to something they've always been around.. But when you think about it, it's surprising more people don't become allergic to things, with all the exposure we have on a daily basis to so many things. \n\nOptions for determining an allergy are: skin prick tests (aka scratch test), injections of the suspected allergen protein (riskiest), patch testing (literally, a patch containing the allergen protein is stuck to your skin and you wear it for a day), RAST testing (bloodwork), and challenge testing (removing the suspected allergen, then introducing it back to see if there is a reaction, most commonly used with food allergy/intolerances/sensitivities).
287755
I have no allergies, but I do feel like crap and I am having a pretty bad day so far! aT LEAST THE WEEK IS OVER...\n\nTake care and feel better soon,\n\nDiego
314565
The symptoms can be very similar.  Allergic rhinitis (runny nose) is often associated with more sneezing, itchy nose and/or eyes.  Cough is not usually a big part of allergic symptoms.  Runny nose is usually clear.\n\nColds usually do have some cough with them and tend to hurt more with sinus pressure, etc.  Runny nose can be clear or discolored.\n\nOne simple test would be to try a few antihistamines over the counter (claritin and benadryl are examples) - if you are able to take them - to see if they help.  They will usually help allergy symptoms quite a bit, but for colds they do very little.
603164
Absolutely, your beating heart requires a visit in person to specialists. Don't consider this internet advice. This is only a sharing of my experiences. You've the right to request referrals and confer with more than one specialist. I had a General Practioner with an ego that. Well. Maybe you've encountered one of those already.\n\nI've discovered over the years, that allergies have the possibility of change. If only to rule out an allergy is not a side effect or allergic reaction to the medications one has? It's been worth getting tested again.\n\nAs far as pills go, I'm allergic to corn-based, egg-based  meds, codeine based, and some penicillin. I have outdoor and food allergies a page long in small font. An allergist MAY recommend weekly allergy shots. A tiny amount of what you are allergic to is inserted just under the skin via a needle. The idea is to build up resistance and immunity. Don't compare it to flu shots. Feels like a mosquito bite. If you have had the skin test for allergies already, then it is comparably the same technique.\n\nThe allergists have regularly reminded me of the value of changing the environment as best one can. Many people spend at least 8-10 hrs at home in a day to sleep. \n\nSome of this is Dr recommended, some is what I found from experience:\n\nAll the allergists I've seen have told me these things in common:\n\n1. Removing all carpet and old furniture in your home. Cover in plastic what you can't get rid of. \n2. Wash floors 1-2 a week. \n3. Cover your mattress in plastic. \n4. Wash your bed sheets more often, in hot water.\n5. Use a good quality air filter that will clean the air of pollens, dust etc. Change filters regularly. Especially in your sleeping area. Ensure it is big enough to cover the square footage of the room(s).\n6. Clear sleeping area as much as possible.\n\nI've found:\n1. I don't keep my clothes I've worn in the sleeping area. I've spent a day gathering allergens on my clothing.\n2. Before going to bed. I shower, or at least wash my hair during the worst of the allergy season. The pollens are in the hair, and will transfer to the pillow.\n3. If you drive, clean windows and dashboard 1-2 a week. I use Windex for that, as well as for windows in the home. Remember the vent openings. Clean as far as you can reach.  Get rid of the paper towels you used. Wash the floors. Hot water, a touch of bleach and mr clean are what I've used. Then when the wet floor gadgets that use disposable wet sheets on them came out, I started using those to wipe down floors.\n4. Cleared as much dust collecting trinkets out of my  living space as possible. Wiped down what I can't on a regular basis.\n5. My cloth curtains are washed seasonally. Use hot water if there's no rubber lining. Use cold water if there's a rubber lining. Put a small amount of bleach in the washer. My metal window blinds, I wash down regularly with mild dish soap and water.\n6. Showers are also dual purpose. I find the water moisture helps ease discomfort. Same applies by using a wet cold cloth over the face. Or a cold air humidifier.\n7. Multi-vitamins appear to be a booster to alleviating my symptoms. Some theorize it is Vitamins B-complex and C that help the most. My Dr's have said it's no harm (to me) to take them. I use a well-known respected brand name without additives.\n8. I don't experiment with herbal remedies. Unless you have thoroughly researched botany, that item can be directly or indirectly RELATED to what you're allergic to. I was  surprised... what is related to what. Botany is very complex. They may also interfere with any prescribed medications one is taking. Messing with heart medications may not be a good thing to risk. \n\nI strongly follow with what the specialists say. They've spent 10 years to get a Drs degree, and five more years of specialty studies. Here, there are currently no standards on the strength of an herba
361073
http://www.allergytest.co.uk/\n\nhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003519.htm
868181
infections usually have color to them whereas allergies run clear.
538288
Over the years, more than twice yours, I have become allergic to almost everything. Also a slight exaggeration, but the point is, we do develop allergies. Talk to  your Dr. and see about the 6 weeks shot, kinda covers everything without the $300.00 allergy screen.
337169
It's eczema. Get an allergy test done.
1110798
you can google it, and as fare as the whole telling them thing goes, you could say, well im allergic to flour, becuase pretty much that what it is, becuase anything with oats in it, or barlly, it has flour, so just say flour its ok, teehee
562810
Do you know what you're allergic to?  If not, get tested to try to discover what triggered it.  Keep in mind, though, that we can develop new allergies over time, and sometimes they have a hard time pinning down everything that you are allergic to.\n\nI have a nut allergy.  I carry 2 epi pens with me at all times.  I read the labels on EVERYTHING that I eat... and if it doesn't have a label I don't eat it. (except for fresh fruits and veggies and easily identifiable things.)\n\nIn our case, the fear is a good thing.  I've had friends make fun of me for not trying new foods... but they just don't understand how scary it is to know that just one bite could kill you.\n\nIf it is a food allergy that triggers you, check out the website I listed below.  They have a lot of good tips on how to cope with everyday life.