Different Types of Allergies
An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are:
- Pollen- Each spring, summer, and fall, trees, weeds, and grasses release tiny pollen grains into the air. Some of the pollen ends up in your nose and throat. This can trigger a type of allergy called hay fever. Symptoms can include: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes, watery eyes and dark circles under the eyes. Your health care provider may diagnose hay fever based on a physical exam and your symptoms. Sometimes skin or blood tests are used. Taking medicines and using nasal sprays can relieve symptoms. You can also rinse out your nose, but be sure to use distilled or sterilized water with saline. Allergy shots can help make you less sensitive to pollen and provide long-term relief.
- Dust mites- Of the many components in house dust to which people may be allergic, the most important is the house dust mite. House dust mites are microscopic, insect-like creatures related to the tick and spider family. They feed primarily on scales from human skin and are found in most areas commonly inhabited by people
- Mold spores- Mold spores also cause allergy problems. Molds are present all year long and grow both outdoors and indoors. Dead leaves and farm areas are common sources for outdoor molds. Indoor plants, old books, bathrooms, and damp areas are common sources of indoor mold growth. Mold is also common in foods. Symptoms include: sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, postnasal drip, facial pressure, skin rash and congestion
- Pet dander- The proteins found in a pet's dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate asthma symptoms in some people. Also, pet hair or fur can collect pollen, mold spores and other outdoor allergens. Symptoms include: sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, skin rash and congestion.
- Food- In adults, the foods that most often trigger allergic reactions include fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, such as walnuts. Problem foods for children can include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. Symptoms of food allergy include: itching or swelling in your mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, hives, trouble breathing or drop in blood pressure.
- Insect stings- Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. A normal reaction will result in pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. A large local reaction will result in swelling that extends beyond the sting site. The most serious reaction to an insect sting is when the individual has difficulty breahting, hives, swelling of th face or mouth, wheezing, anxiety, rapid pulse or dizziness.
- Medicines- Adverse reactions to drugs are common. Almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. Reactions range from irritating or mild side effects such as nausea and vomiting to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The first time you take the medicine, you may have no problems. However, your body's immune system may produce a substance (antibody) called IgE against that drug. The next time you take the drug, the IgE tells your white blood cells to make a chemical called histamine, which causes your allergy symptoms. A drug allergy may also occur without your body producing IgE. Instead, it might produce other types of antibodies, or have other reactions that do not produce antibodies.
Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. Genes and the environment probably both play a role.
Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, or asthma. Allergies can range from minor to severe. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. Doctors use skin and blood tests to diagnose allergies. Treatments include medicines, allergy shots, and avoiding the substances that cause the reactions.
