How Allergic Reactions Occur

Dr. Joshua “Josh” Este is a board-certified MD from Newport, Oregon. He serves as an internal medicine physician who provides care within a critical access setting. Possessing a wide knowledge of general medicine, Josh Este, MD, has assisted patients with issues such as allergic reactions.

Allergic reactions typically take place when the immune system is overly sensitive to substances that are usually harmless. These substances are known as allergens and range from nuts to pet dander. Allergies impact as much as 40 percent of people worldwide.

There are several ways in which allergens may enter the body, including inhalation, eating or drinking, injection, and skin contact. Skin contact is known as contact dermatitis and involves touching something repeatedly to which one has an allergy. Rashes typically appear between 24 and 48 hours after this contact. It is important to note that an allergy-related rash is not necessarily contact dermatitis. An allergen that has entered the body (through eating peanut butter, for example) may also trigger inflammation and a skin rash.

Sweet Creek Falls in Oregon’s Coastal

Practicing in Newport, Oregon, Dr. Joshua “Josh” Este leverages his MD as a member of the Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital team, where he manages patient care. An outdoors enthusiast, Josh Este, MD, enjoys backpacking and has explored various wilderness trails. One scenic area about 40 miles south of Newport is Sweet Creek Falls.

Inhabiting a lush Coast Range valley, the trail is located Siuslaw National Forest and spans four sections totaling three miles. The verdant forest is characteristic of the coastal region and includes big leaf maple, alder, and Douglas fir. The 11 waterfalls encountered along this route all feature ferns and moss-grown rocks. The highlight is a tiered series of cascading waterfalls in the 10- to 30-foot range that together offer a haunting “multiple waterfall” effect.

One word of caution is that the stream can have fast-moving currents in the rainy season and there are many slippery stones in the vicinity. For this reason, an abundance of caution, rain gear, and a hiking partner are recommended for this trek.