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:
- Pollen
- Mold and Fungi
- Dust Mites
- Animal Dander
- Insect Venom - especially from bees and wasps
- Latex Rubber
- Food - especially cow's milk, egg protein, soy, peanuts and fish
People can be exposed to these allergens in a variety of ways:
- By breathing them in, as with dust or pollen
- By eating them, as with food
- By being stung, as with insects
- By having skin exposed to them, as with latex
How do I know if I have an allergy?
Allergies can have a variety of symptoms, and are often individual to each sufferer. Some of the most common allergy types* and their symptoms are:
Respiratory Allergies
- Conjunctivitis (Inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid)
- Coughing
- Dark Under-Eye Circles (Called allergic “shiners”)
- Itchy Eyes, Nose or Throat
- Nasal Congestion
- Puffy Eyes
- Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Watery Eyes
- Wheezing
Food Allergies
- Anaphylaxis (A severe life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Diarrhea
- Hives
- Hoarse Voice
- Hypotension (Abnormally low blood pressure)
- Itching in the Mouth/Tongue or Throat
- Nausea
- Runny Nose
- Skin Rash
- Sneezing
- Swelling of the Lips, Tongue or Throat
- Tightness in the Throat or Chest
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
Insect Allergies
- Abdominal or Chest Pain
- Anaphylaxis
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Shortness of Breath
- Swelling of the Face, Throat or Other Localized Area
- Hypotension (Abnormally low blood pressure)
- Nausea
Skin-Related Allergies
- Blisters
- Burning
- Eczema
- Itching
- Rash
* 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:
- Breathlessness
- Coughing
- Mucus Buildup
- Tightness in the Chest
- Wheezing
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:
- Difficulty Breathing Through the Nose
- Facial Pain
- Fever
- Foul Smell in the Nose
- Full Feeling in the Face
- Loss of Smell
- Runny Nose
- Sinus Headache
- Toothache