Understanding allergies
Allergy refers to a negative body reactions caused by higher than normal sensitivity to certain foods, chemicals, pollens, or any objects. While most people may not show any adverse reactions, people with allergic sensitivity can have skin irritations or breathing problems.
There are many types of allergies. The most common allergies are seasonal allergies that are the caused by presense of certain trees, plants, or pollens in the air at certain times of the year. Some people experience allergies to particular foods or animals.
Symptoms of allergies can vary from person to person. They are classified by degree of severity, including mild, moderate, and severe allergic reactions. While there is no cure for allergies, they can be treated. Allergic reactions may result in watery eyes, skin irritations, a runny nose, coughing or breathing difficulty. This type of allergy can be controlled by using an antihistamine. There are several over the counter available, as well as those you can only get with a prescription. If an allergy is caused by pollens or environmental factors during a ceratin season, remaining indoors during that time of year may help. Alternatively, one may also consider getting an allergy shot.
A severe allergic reaction can be life threatening. This may be the reaction to various molds. Antihistemines, steroids, and immunotherapy can all held remedy the effects.
Generally these are the result of food allergies. Peanuts, milk, and eggs are the most common. Symptoms include swelling of the face, abdominal pain, cramps, hives, and angioedema which are hives inside the throat. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Often a shot can help offset the reaction. The hives and rashes take longer to go away. They can be reduced by using a cortisone cream.
Pet allergies are very difficult to control. It may take up to 2 years exposure to an animal to develop and allergic reaction. In addition, it can take months after you have stopped being around that animal or their dander for the symptoms to stop. This makes it hard to pinpoint the animal as they allergen because you can be fine for years, then it develops. Most people think as soon as you are away from the animal it should stop. When it doesn’t they believe it must be something else causing the allergy, so they go back to their routine of interacting with that animal.
Some people are known to have allergy to latex. The material is often used in gloves. The skin often turns red and itchy. For people with asthma, a latex allergy can be life threatening because it can block the airways.
Some people have a severe allergy to insects, especially those with stingers. They may require medical attention to receive a shot of epinephrine
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