Allergies
When something ordinarily harmless, such as pollen, dust, or animal fur, your body reacts, it is called an allergy. For some people, the symptoms might be problematic, even if they are minor.
Allergy triggers
Allergens are things that trigger allergic responses.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen from trees and grasses are typical allergies (hay fever)
- Food sources for home allergies include peanuts, milk, and eggs (food allergy)
- Specifically from pets like cats and dogs, animal fur
- Some medications for insect stings like bee and wasp stings
- Certain medical drugs
Allergic Symptoms
An allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- A runny or sneezing nose
- Your cheeks, eyes, or forehead feel sore or painful
- Breathing difficulty, wheezing or coughing
- An exaggerated rash or irritated skin (hives)
- Diarrhea
- An ill feeling or being
- Eyes, lips, mouth, or throat swelling
Testing to identify allergies
The doctor may set up some allergy tests or suggest you visit a specialized allergy clinic to get them done.
Tests may include:
- A skin prick or patch test involves applying a tiny quantity of allergen to your skin to check if it causes a reaction
- Blood testing to look for potential allergies causing your symptoms
- A particular diet involves avoiding or eating less food you may be allergic to see whether your symptoms improve
Allergy treatments
Various allergy treatments are:
- Whenever feasible, attempt to avoid the substance to which you are allergic
- Antihistamines, steroid pills, and steroid creams are some medications for moderate allergic responses
- Emergency medications called adrenaline auto-injectors, such as an EpiPen, are provided for severe allergic responses
- Desensitization treats severe allergic reactions
The doctor will provide you with a plan for handling your allergy.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022