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Allergies

by Alivia Nyhan

Allergy sufferers know all too well the havoc these pesky conditions can wreak on daily life. Sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and a runny nose are just some of the most common symptoms. For those with more severe allergies, reactions can be much more serious, even life-threatening. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies.

What are allergies?

An allergy is a condition of the immune system. The immune system is a complex system that protects the body from infection. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or food. The immune system releases chemicals that cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and swelling. Allergies can be mild, moderate, or severe.

What is an allergic reaction?

It occurs when your body overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, animal dander, or food. Your immune system produces antibodies to the substance. The next time you’re exposed to even a small amount of the allergen, those antibodies signal your body to release histamine and other chemicals, which cause allergy symptoms.

Mild reactions may cause itching, redness, and teary eyes. More severe reactions can cause hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, anaphylaxis can occur, which is a life-threatening reaction.

What are the types of allergies and how are they treated?

There are many different types of allergies that people can suffer from. The most common are hay fever, food allergies, and pet allergies. Allergies can also be caused by dust, pollen, and certain medications.

Most allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines. More severe allergies may require prescription medications or allergy shots.

Cold allergy: Cold allergy symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. People with cold allergies may also have a fever, headache, and body aches. A cold allergy is different from the common cold, which is caused by a virus.

Egg allergy: Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children, and can be very serious. If your child has an egg allergy, they should avoid all foods that contain eggs, including many baked goods and processed foods.

Mite allergy: Mite allergy is an allergic reaction to a type of tiny bug called a house dust mite. Mite allergy is also called dust mite allergy or house dust mite allergy. People with mite allergies are allergic to the waste products of the mite.

Pollen allergy: Pollen allergy is one of the most common allergies. It is caused by the pollen of trees, grasses, and weeds. The symptoms of pollen allergy are sneezing runny nose and itchy and watery eyes. Home remedies for pollen allergy symptoms include staying indoors when pollen counts are high, wearing a mask when outside, and showering after being outdoors.

Nerve allergy: Nerve allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs when the body is exposed to an allergen. Symptoms can include itching, hives, and swelling. In severe cases, an allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Hay fever: Hay fever is often caused by pollen, but can also be caused by other things such as dust, animal dander, and mold. There is no cure for hay fever, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms.

Glottis edema: Glottis edema is the medical term for swelling of the tissue around the vocal cords. It’s a common symptom of allergies, especially seasonal allergies. The swelling can cause the vocal cords to vibrate differently, which can lead to a change in voice.

Allergic coughs: Allergic coughs can be annoying. You might be wondering how to get rid of them. Well, first you need to find out what you’re allergic to. Once you know that, you can take steps to avoid your triggers and hopefully, your cough will go away.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

The most common symptoms of allergies are sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Allergies can also cause itching, redness, and swelling. In severe cases, allergies can trigger an asthma attack or a dangerous reaction called anaphylaxis.

What causes allergies?

There are many things that can cause allergies, but the most common are pollen, dust, and pet dander. Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, and produces antibodies to fight it off. This overreaction can cause sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

How are allergies treated?

There are a few ways to treat allergies depending on the severity. For mild allergies, over-the-counter antihistamines can be effective in relieving symptoms. If symptoms are more severe, a person may need to see an allergist for prescription medication. In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended.

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