It's what happens when your immune system reacts to something that’s usually harmless. Those triggers, which doctors call "allergens," can include pollen, mold, and animal dander, certain foods, or things that irritate your skin.
Allergies are very common. At least 1 in 5 Americans has one.
What Are the Symptoms?
Your symptoms depend on how you’re exposed -- through the air, your skin, food, or through an insect sting.
If you’ve got a nasal allergy (one that's triggered by something you inhale), common symptoms include:
If an insect sting was the trigger, you’ll have swelling, redness, and pain where it stung you.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most go away shortly after the exposure stops.
Mild ones may be almost unnoticeable. You might just feel a little “off.”
Moderate symptoms can make you feel ill, as if you’ve got a cold or even the flu.
Severe allergic reactions are extreme.
In general, there is no cure for allergies, but there are several types of medications available -- both over-the-counter and prescription -- to help ease and treat annoying symptoms like congestion and runny nose. These allergy drugs include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and others.
Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or pills under the tongue, which gradually increase your ability to tolerate allergens, are also available.
Blood Tests
If you take medicine that could affect allergy test results, have sensitive skin, or have had a bad reaction to a skin test, your doctor might do a blood test instead.
A sample of your blood is sent to a lab, and your doctor will get the results within a few days. This is typically more expensive than a skin test.
Your Family, Our Responsibility !