An Overview Of Allergies
An allergy occurs when the body overreacts to the things which don’t typically cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens and the body overreacts to the allergens which causes the symptoms of allergies. The most common allergens include pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Most allergies occur in the spring, typically late April and May, and are often due to tree pollen. Allergies that occur in the fall, late August to the first hard frost, are often due to ragweed. Mold is a common cause of allergies and is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, damp basements, and window moldings. It may also be found in rotting logs, hay, mulches, compost piles, and leaf piles. This allergy is typically worse during humid or rainy weather.
The parts of the body which are more prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Although the various allergic reactions may appear to be different, they all result from an exaggerated immune system response to foreign substances in sensitive people. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is the most common of the allergic reactions and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is typically due to indoor allergens. It may also be caused by pollen. Symptoms result from the inflammation of the tissues that line the inside of the nose after allergens are inhaled. Areas close to the nose, including ears, sinuses, and throat may also be involved. The most common symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, nasal itching, itchy ears and throat and post nasal drip.
Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Allergic diseases are typically more common in children, but they can start at any age and possibly recur throughout a lifetime. Researchers are trying to determine why some people develop allergies while others do not. What part of the body is contacted by an allergen plays a role in the symptoms which may develop. Allergies to plants often cause a skin rash where drug allergies usually involve the entire body and can lead to a variety of symptoms. Some medical conditions including asthma and eczema are also linked to allergies.
Another type of allergy is those due to drugs. The most common drug allergy is to drugs in the penicillin family. Other common drug allergens include sulfas, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, insulin, and local anesthetics. Insect still allergies have been shown to affect people with food allergies more than those without. Venom in stings of bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps is a common allergen. The most certain treatment for allergies is to simply avoid the substances which trigger them, but this is not always easy. The basic medications for allergies are antihistamines, which counteract the histamine chemicals which cause the allergic reactions. Prescription corticosteroid drugs may also be used for severe symptoms. Respiratory allergies are typically treated with over the counter antihistamines, but different doctors may prescribe other drugs. If symptoms are severe enough, the physician may prescribe corticosteroids in nasal spray or oral form.
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