In the simplest of terms, an allergy is an acquired sensitivity to a specific substance. This substance could be anything from pollen to peanuts, and is called an allergen. Some common allergens are:
People can be exposed to these allergens in a variety of ways:
How do I know if I have an allergy?
Allergies can have a variety of symptoms, and are often individual to each sufferer. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, some of the most common allergy types* and their symptoms are:
Respiratory Allergies
Food Allergies
Insect Allergies
Skin-Related Allergies
* As with any medical condition, please see your physician for an accurate diagnosis.
What about asthma, and how is it related to allergies?
Asthma is a chronic disease where a person’s bronchial passages, or airways, are swollen and sensitive. This inflammation means that allergic reactions may be more severe, and may make breathing much more difficult. An asthma attack, or episode, can have many triggers including allergies, infections, pollutants, exercise and weather. Symptoms include:
Is sinusitis similar to allergies?
Sinusitis can be broken down into four categories: acute, lasting for less than four weeks; subacute, lasting for four to eight weeks; chronic, lasting for eight weeks to months or years; and recurrent, meaning several short attacks per year. While respiratory allergies can have similar effects, sinusitis is caused by blockages in the sinuses, often from a cold or the flu. Chronic sinusitis may initially be caused by an allergic reaction. In these cases, treating the allergy may help solve the problem. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
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