More than 50 million people<\/a> in the U.S. experience an allergic reaction every year. Allergic reactions occur when an individual encounters a substance (allergen) that their immune system deems harmful and reacts by releasing histamine<\/a>. The release of histamine results in common allergy symptoms including but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although not as commonly reported, heartburn is another symptom you may experience from allergies. Let\u2019s examine what heartburn is, how allergies can cause it and what you can do to manage your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heartburn occurs when stomach juices, such as acids and enzymes, backwash into your esophagus. The condition is commonly described as the feeling that stomach acid is burning in your chest<\/a>. Other symptoms may include burping, nausea, a bitter or acidic taste in your mouth, pain that worsens when lying down and the feeling of acid rising in your throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An allergic reaction to environmental or food allergens can cause eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE occurs when your immune system reacts to an allergen by creating white blood cells called eosinophils<\/a>. With EoE, the esophagus becomes inflamed and does not properly contract, allowing acid that should be kept in the stomach to rise through the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your EoE is caused by allergies, an allergist can help you identify which allergens trigger it through an allergy skin or scratch test<\/a>. Once you have determined which allergies cause your heartburn, you can begin to avoid them. A couple of tips for avoiding allergens include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information on managing your allergies this fall, contact ENT Associates of Worcester<\/span> today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n