Allergies are the most common chronic condition in the United States, affecting 50 million people. Allergies are described as hypersensitivities of the immune system. The immune system makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to protect the body from substances that cause allergies, such as pollen and food. These antibodies cause a release of histamine, which causes sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Since there is no cure for allergies, the only way to treat the condition is through antihistamines and other medications. If you have any chronic allergies or develop severe symptoms due to allergies, you may want to talk to a Marrero allergies specialist. Here are some of the most common types of allergies.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is caused by hypersensitivity of the nose to specific pollen particles found in the air. The hay fever symptoms are similar to allergies and usually last for six weeks. The symptoms may include sneezing; a runny or itchy nose; watery, red, or swollen eyes; cough; head congestion; fatigue at night due to interrupted sleep, and wheezing.
Food Allergy
Food allergies are also known as food intolerances, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms after consuming certain foods, including diarrhea, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps. Common allergenic foods that may cause severe reactions are peanuts, shellfish, milk products, or eggs. Severe cases of food allergies often result in anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening condition due to multiple organ failures. If you experience anaphylaxis, you need to seek emergency medical attention as it can potentially result in death.
Drug Allergy
According to an allergies specialist, drug allergies are adverse reactions that result from taking any medication. A drug allergy triggers the immune system and may cause rashes, hives, or swelling. Sometimes, an individual may take the same medicines safely later on because their body has built up its tolerance. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction to medications.
Pollen Allergy
Pollen allergies are the most common form of allergies resulting in skin rashes, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. The symptoms can develop when pollen enters the body through any openings or cause a release of histamine. People who are allergic to grass pollen often suffer from hay fever.
Animal Allergies
Animal allergies are also known as pet allergies and result in reactions such as sneezing and runny nose when coming into contact with an animal. Common allergic animals include cats, dogs, horses, and birds. Most people develop allergies to pets when they are young, and the reaction may disappear with age.
Mold Allergies
Mold allergies are caused by exposure to spores in water-damaged buildings or other moist environments. The symptoms are similar to hay fever, including runny nose, itchy eyes, stuffy noses, and cough. However, mold allergies may result in more severe allergies resulting in anaphylactic shock.
Insect Allergies
Insect allergies, such as bee stings, cause swelling and pain in the area where the insect sting occurred. Severe reactions may result in a rash, itching, or hives on different body parts. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction to insect bites or stings that can result in death.
In summary, allergies are an immune system response to ordinary substances in the environment. The most common allergies include animal allergies, food allergies, insect allergies, drug allergies, and mold allergies. Pollen allergies and hay fever are common, but they mainly occur seasonally.