If you have allergies, they often go hand-in-hand with a surprising number of other ailments. Diagnosis and effective treatment of your allergies can have a positive effect on many other health issues.

If you have one of the following chronic conditions, talk to your doctor about the possibility of being tested for allergies:

Migraines Chronic migraines can be difficult to treat. Many times, it's hard to pinpoint the triggers, since they can be so varied. 

But one of the most common causes is allergic sinusitis. If you're exposed to an allergen like dust, pollen, or mold, your sinuses can become swollen. This can cause migraines because the nerves send signals to the brain that can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light - basically the classic symptoms of a migraine.

Ear infections Many very young children suffer through one ear infection after another. Food allergies are a common cause in up to 79 percent of children with recurring ear infections. If your child has an allergic reaction to a food like milk, peanuts, or egg whites, the tube connecting his ear to his throat can swell. Bacteria-filled fluid that normally lives in his throat can get trapped in his ear, causing an ear infection.

Eczema This skin condition causes itching, redness, and scaly rashes and can also be painful. It's most frequently first diagnosed in children under the age of 5, but it can strike at any age. About 37 percent of young children who have moderate to severe eczema also have food allergies. A link exists, but it's not yet known which causes the other. Experts recommend that children younger than five who have moderate to severe eczema that doesn't respond well to treatment be tested for food allergies.

Obstructive sleep apnea This sleep disorder can be very serious and is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing. It's been linked with allergeric rhinitis, which occurs when airborne allergens irritate and inflame nasal passages and cause the upper airway to narrow. Reducing the inflammation may also help reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Especially if you have problems using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device because of nasal congestion, this could be an important step in effective treatment.

Research has found that allergic rhinitis increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Treatment could help prevent its occurrence and reduce its severity in children who already have it.

Allergies can have an effect on your entire body and well-being. Testing and treatment can help not only your allergy symptoms, but may also provide relief from other health-related issues.

For more information, contact Allergy Asthma & Immunology Associates or a similar organization.