An allergy is your immune system reacting to something in your environment, or something you eat (food allergy), that usually does not bother other people. Typically, if you have allergies, you will be sensitive to more than one thing.
Current scientific belief for explaining the cause of your allergic overreaction involves both your genes and the environment. Your immune system is designed to fight germs, it’s your body’s defense system. However, in your allergic reaction scenario, it responds to a false alarm with too much vigor.
Environmental substances that often cause reactions in allergic prone individuals include:
- pollen
- dust mites
- pet dander
- medicines
- mold spores
- insect stings
Common symptoms of an allergy to something are:
- rashes
- itching
- asthma
- swelling
- sneezing
- runny nose
If you have an allergy to pollen, for runny nose and sneezing relief avoid going outdoors between 5-10 a.m. If mold or dust mites are your allergy issues, try a dehumidifier in your dwelling space for treatment.
OTC antihistamine treatment can help reduce your sneezing, runny nose and itchiness allergy symptoms. Take them just before your allergen exposure to reap your best results.
Allergies to environmental substances usually won’t kill you, but their symptoms sure can make you feel unwell. Food allergies, on the other hand, are a bit more serious.
