Symptoms of Allergy
Allergy symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, red eyes, skin rash, and hives. In some cases, allergies may also cause asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. Allergy symptoms usually appear within minutes to hours after exposure to an allergen and can last for days or weeks.
Causes of Allergy
Allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to an allergen, such as dust, pollen, animal dander, or certain foods. Allergens can enter the body through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system identifies it as foreign and releases chemicals, such as histamines, to fight off the allergen. These chemicals cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Treatment of Allergy
The best way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen that causes the reaction. If avoidance is not possible, medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, can be used to manage allergy symptoms. Allergy shots or immunotherapy may also be recommended for certain allergies to help reduce the severity of allergic reactions.