What do you think I might be allergic to?

June 15, 2004

What you are describing sounds like allergy symptoms. You should talk with your physician to be sure, especially since you are having whelping, itchy rashes. Hives or urticaria type rashes may be only minor, but they can sometimes be serious. See my item:
What causes hives (urticaria)?

There are only two ways that I know of to tell what you are allergic to. One is the obvious method. If you experience allergy symptoms every time you eat a certain food or are exposed to a certain allergen (such as a dog), there is a good chance you are allergic to the thing that is causing your symptoms.

Usually, though, it is not that simple. If the allergy symptoms always occur during a certain season, you are probably allergic to the pollen that is prevalent during that season. If they occur year 'round, you may be allergic to environmental allergies, or a combination of pollens and environmental allergies. There is no way to tell, just from symptoms, what is causing your allergies.

It's possible to develop an allergy to something you've never been allergic to before. So allergy to your dog cannot be ruled out.

Discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician. If she agrees that you are probably experiencing allergy symptoms, you might try allergy-proofing your bedroom to environmental allergens. One of our sponsors, National Allergy Supply, has developed that neat page on how to do this. If you are only allergic to pollens, you may not find much relief, but if your main problem is environmental allergies, you may be helped.

Keeping your dog outside or at least out of the bedroom may help if you are allergic to the dog.

Your primary care physician may prescribe an antihistamine to help also.

The above suggestions are only guesses as to what might help. An allergist will discuss your health history and symptoms with you, and do a physical exam. If he thinks you may have allergies, he will probably order allergy testing to accurately determine what you are allergic to. It's hard to fight the enemy until you know who the enemy is.

Skin testing is probably not as bad as you are thinking. Many allergists prefer skin testing because it is considered more accurate, provides instant results, and is sometimes less expensive. But is also possible to do allergy testing by a blood sample if that would be easier for you.

Once you know what you are allergic to, you will know what to avoid. By avoidance, there is a chance you can get significant help even without allergy shots.

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