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Common allergies and their symptoms

Nearly one-third of the world’s population suffers from various allergies, and it manifests differently across cases. An allergic reaction occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to a harmless substance that does not bother most people. These substances, called allergens, are perceived as a threat, and the body releases a chemical called histamine in response, which produces allergic symptoms. In severe cases, allergies can lead to dangerous and even fatal symptoms.

Common types of allergies
The body can be allergic to any substance, but there are some commonly identified allergens, such as food, pollen, and pet dander. Depending on their nature, they enter your body through the digestive, skin, or respiratory systems.

Food allergy
Food allergies occur when your body creates antibodies against one or more food substances. Though any food substance can cause an allergic reaction in vulnerable people, there are certain foods that are the cause of most allergies. These include eggs, milk, soy, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts.

Some of the most common symptoms of food allergies that you should know are:

Hives
Itchy feeling in the ears, throat, or mouth
Vomiting
Swelling around the eyes, lips, or in the mouth around the tongue

In more extreme cases, food allergies may cause a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis with serious symptoms that include:

Inability to breathe
Trouble swallowing
Fainting or feeling severely dizzy

In case, you experience any of the above-mentioned reactions, contact your doctor immediately.

The best way to not get these reactions is to identify foods that cause allergies and completely avoid them. You should also never make any drastic changes to your meal plans without talking to your doctor. Still, if you get a food allergy, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine for mild cases and adrenaline for anaphylaxis.

Pollen allergy
Pollen allergies, commonly known as hay fever, are among the most common allergies in the world. According to a Pollen Allergy Journal, close to 30 percent of the world’s population suffers from this allergy. It is a seasonal allergy caused when plants, trees, and weeds release pollen for fertilization. These tiny particles carried by the wind end up in your eyes, nose, and lungs. Some common symptoms include:

Swelling around the eyes
Runny nose
Sneezing
Itchy nose
Watery and red eyes

The best way to prevent this allergy is to limit your time outdoors during the pollen season. If you do venture out, wear a face mask and cover your hair. Your doctor may prescribe nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines to treat this allergy.

Insect allergy
You are said to have an insect allergy when your body heightens its immune reaction in response to an insect’s sting, fluid, or venom. These three insect families are said to cause the most allergies:

Vespids: wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets
Bees: bumblebees and honey bees
Ants: fire ants and harvester ants
Bed bugs
Mosquitos

Here are some signs to look out for:

Pain, swelling, or redness at the sting site
Vomiting or nausea

Some stings may also cause severe reactions, such as an anaphylactic shock, usually preceded by breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Usually, insect allergies resolve on their own. If they don’t, your doctor may prescribe calamine lotion or painkillers to ease your symptoms. You may also be advised to get a tetanus shot.

Animal dander allergy
This is an allergic reaction caused due to the proteins found in animal skin cells, saliva, or urine. Animal fur can also be a source of an allergic reaction. The most common animals that cause these allergies are cats and dogs. Some common signs to look out for include:

Runny nose
Cough
Postnasal drip
Itchy or watery eyes
Facial pain
Eczema and itchy skin

The best way to prevent these discomforting symptoms is to limit your exposure to the animal. In case of an allergic reaction, your doctor may advise a nasal spray, bronchodilator, or an antihistamine shot to relieve your symptoms. If you have pets at home, you may even be advised immunotherapy or shots once a year to prevent allergies.

These are not the only types of allergies that occur in people. Some may be seasonal, while others may last throughout your life. It is important to know their symptoms to prevent discomfort and avoid a severe reaction in your body. You can work with your doctor to have an allergy management plan on hand.

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