Top 10 Allergy Symptoms

Allergy Causes:  Allergy  occurs  when the body’s immune system reacts to a particular substance as if it were harmful. It’s not clear why this happens, but most people affected have a family history of allergy  or have closely related conditions such as asthma or eczema.

The number of people with allergy  is increasing every year. The reasons for this aren’t understood, but one of the leading theories is that it’s a result of living in a clean, germ-free environment, which reduces the number of germs our immune systems have to deal with. It is thought that this may cause an overreaction when coming into contact with harmless substances. So, check out  the Top 10 Symptoms of Allergy now:

Allergy Symptoms: Allergy  symptoms usuallydevelop within a few minutes of exposure to something you are allergic to, although occasionally they can develop gradually over the course of a few hours.

While allergic reactions can be a nuisance and impair your normal activities, most are mild. Very occasionally, a serious reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. The main symptoms of allergy  include:

• Sneezing and itchy, runny, or blocked nose ( allergic rhinitis );
• Itchy, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis);
• Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing;
• A raised, itchy, red rash ( hives  )
• Swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face;
• Stomach ache, sick, vomiting or diarrhea;
• Dry, red and cracked skin;
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat;
• Urticaria;
• Anaphylaxis;

Symptoms vary depending on what you are allergic to and how you come into contact with it. For example, you may have a runny nose if exposed to pollen, develop a rash if you have a skin allergy  , or feel sick if you eat something that you are allergic to . See your GP if you or your child has an allergic reaction to anything. They can help determine if symptoms are caused by an allergy  or another condition.

Allergy Treatments:  The most effective treatment and treatment of an Allergy  is to avoid exposure to the allergen. However, sometimes it is not possible to completely avoid an Allergy . A person with hay fever cannot avoid exposure to pollens unless he closes all the windows in the house and never goes out.

Even so, there is a risk that other people will bring pollen into the house. It is also important to educate patients so they know how to properly identify their allergenic foods. Many people with Peanut and Peanut Allergy  were unable to identify which items they were allergic  to in a study conducted.

Allergy Medications: Drugs can help treat allergy symptoms , but do not cure it. Most allergy  medications are OTC (over-the-counter, non-prescription). Before considering a medication, talk to a pharmacist or your doctor.

• Antihistamines (histamine antagonists): block the action of histamine, a chemical released into the body as part of an allergic reaction. Some antihistamines are not suitable for children
• Decongestants: Some patients say they help with a blocked nose in cases of hay fever, pet allergy, or dust  allergy . Decongestants are short-term medications
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (anti-leukotrienes): for asthma when other treatments have not worked. Anti-leukotrienes block the effects of leukotrienes, chemicals that cause swelling. Leukotrienes are released in the body when there is an allergic reaction
• Steroid sprays: applied to the inner lining of the nose. Corticosteroid sprays help reduce nasal congestion.

Allergy Prevention:  While treatments can help alleviate allergy symptoms , patients will need to try to avoid exposure to specific allergens. In some cases, this is not easy. Avoiding pollen in late spring and summer is virtually impossible, even the cleanest homes have fungal spores or mites.

If you have friends or family with pets, avoiding them can be difficult. Food  allergies  can be difficult to manage because traces of allergens can show up in the most unlikely of meals.