Vim & Vigor - Spring 2021 - 43

43

If you washed
your favorite
running shirt in a new
detergent, went for
a spring jog through
a wooded trail and
then broke out in
an itchy rash, you're
allergic to:
PHOTO BY STOCKSY

1

A. Your detergent
B. Poison ivy, oak or
sumac
C. Airborne pollen
D. Any of the above

You experience allergy
symptoms-including
sneezing, stuffiness,
runny nose or
itchiness in your
nose, throat, eyes
and ears-year-round.
What are you probably
allergic to?
2

A. Dust mites or indoor
molds
B. Pollen or outdoor
molds
C. Shellfish
D. None of the above

Skin
Allergy Quiz

Skin irritations are common. But is your knowledge of them more than
skin deep? Find out by
visiting the American
Academy of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology
(aaaai.org) and searching
for " Skin Allergy Quiz. "

Which of the
following can
indicate a drug/
medication allergy?
3

A. Drowsiness
B. Hives
C. Liver damage
D. None of the above

If your child
experiences skin
irritation; swelling
of the lips, tongue or
throat; shortness of
breath or wheezing;
or stomach pain,
vomiting or diarrhea,
the most common
culprit is:
4

A. The flu
B. Fish or shellfish
C. Nuts, eggs or milk
D. Bananas or avocados

From late
summer until
first frost, 23 million
Americans experience
seasonal ragweed
pollen allergy.
If that sounds like
you, you may also
get symptoms when
you eat:
5

A. Banana, cantaloupe
and zucchini
B. French fries, chicken
tenders or other fried
foods
C. Cashews, walnuts and
almonds
D. All of the above

So, How Did You Do?

1. The answer is D. This scenario shows
why it's so difficult to narrow down the
cause of symptoms without some sleuthing.
That journal you're keeping can help your
doctor identify trends, and testing can
provide answers.
2. The answer is A. The key distinction
here is year-round symptoms (rather than
seasonal). Your indoor air quality might be
in play, with potential offenders including
dust mites (often found in bedding),
mold, pets or cockroach droppings. An
allergist can help you identify the source.
Meanwhile, around the house, zippered
mattress and pillow covers, certified vacuum filters, HEPA air cleaners and certified
allergy-and-asthma-friendly HVAC filters can
help with dust mites or pet allergies. Clean
any visible mold growth. And seal crevices
and cracks to keep out cockroaches.
3. The answer is B. True allergic reactions to medications are rare but can
include hives, wheezing, shortness of
breath, abdominal pain and fainting. Other
adverse drug reactions may not be allergic
responses but can be serious and include
side effects or overdoses (overdoses can
damage the liver or other organs and
potentially be life-threatening). Report
these to your doctor or, in an emergency,
call 911.
4. The answer is C. While children can
be allergic to the foods listed in B and D,
the most common foods that trigger the
production of immune antibodies are
eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and
wheat. Some reactions may indicate food
intolerance (e.g., lactose or gluten intolerance) rather than an actual allergy. An
allergist can help you sort this out.
5. The answer is A. For the millions of
Americans allergic to ragweed pollen, certain
healthy foods may also trick your body into
thinking it's fighting ragweed. These include
banana, cantaloupe and zucchini-plus
cucumber, honeydew, watermelon, white
potatoes and sunflower seeds.

*

VIM & VIGOR SPRING 2021
http://www.aaaai.org
Vim & Vigor - Spring 2021

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