Do You Have Allergies?

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are the ways your body responds to substances it sees as harmful. However, these substances are often harmless. For example, some people may sneeze and have watery eyes when they come in contact with pollen. The pollen, which causes your body to react in that way, is an allergen.

Causes

Your immune system keeps an eye out for an allergen so that it can release antibodies when it detects it again. These antibodies release chemicals like histamine, which cause allergic reactions.

Common allergens include:

• Grass and tree pollen
• Pet dander, tiny flakes of skin or hair
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Food, such as peanuts and tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and dairy
• Insect bites and stings
• Medications, including ibuprofen and certain antibiotics like penicillin
• Latex
• Certain ingredients in personal care products, including makeup and hair dyes

Signs and Symptoms of Allergies

Allergic reactions depend on the allergen involved and can affect different parts of your body. Allergy symptoms can be mild to severe. Severe allergies can trigger a dangerous reaction known as anaphylaxis. Common symptoms of allergies include:

• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling

Types of Allergies

There are many types of allergies. They can be caused by different allergens and have different types of symptoms.

Managing Allergies

Ways to manage allergies include:

• Taking over-the-counter medications or prescription medications as recommended by your healthcare professional
• Avoiding potential triggers that might cause reactions
• Seeking emergency medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or anaphylaxis

A Word From Verywell

Allergies are common but not deadly as long as they are kept under control. Educating yourself and taking the right precautions can help you live through these episodes. However, don’t forget to always inform your doctor if you notice symptoms that are not normal in your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you know if you have allergies or a cold?
  • Allergies and colds share symptoms like sneezing and stuffy or runny nose, headache, and fatigue. However, what they don’t share is a fever. You will not get a fever if you’re having an allergic reaction.
• How do you know if you have allergies or a sinus infection?
  • Both allergies and sinus infections come with a stuffy nose. Nevertheless, they have their differences. A sinus infection arises from an allergy. With sinusitis, you may have thick mucus, postnasal drip, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Whereas with allergies, you mainly experience a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing.
• How long do allergies usually last?
  • The time it takes for an allergic reaction to stop depends on the type of reaction (allergic rhinitis, rash, anaphylaxis) and whether exposure to the allergy trigger (allergen) is continuing.