Allergies are very common. Typical symptoms include nasal blockage, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Allergies can lead to recurrent sinus infections, nasal polyps and the feeling of being tired all of the time. Allergy problems are caused by the body's own immune system that normally helps fight off infection. The immune system becomes stimulated by things that are not really harmful to us such as dust, pet dander, mold and pollen. The symptoms resemble those of upper respiratory infections and it is sometimes difficult to tell them apart.

 

COMMON ALLERGIES
Allergic reactions may involve any part of the body, the most frequently involved being the nose and chest with resultant symptoms of hay fever, rhinitis or asthma respectively. The skin and eyes also commonly show allergic symptoms. Anaphylactic shock is severe allergy which affects many organs at the same time causing a apid decrease in blood pressure, fainting and occasionally may be fatal.

 

HAY FEVER
If you suffer from hay fever, the pollens of grasses, weeds and trees are the main causes of this type of allergy although mold spores can also cause the symptoms. Not only does the lining of the nose become swollen, but spells of sneezing and itchiness of the throat and palate may also occur and the eyes may be similarly affected. Depending on where you live and the pollinating periods, attacks may occur in spring, summer or autumn. In perennial allergic rhinitis, the symptoms are similar to hay fever but appear all year round. This condition is caused by nonseasonal allergens such as house dust components and certain molds.

 

CHRONIC SINUSITIS
You may suffer from allergies even if you don’t sneeze or have itchy eyes. When breathing an allergen, it can irritate the mucus membrane lining of the sinuses causing headaches, congestion, or post nasal drip. Ear popping and pressure may also be noticed.

 

ASTHMA
If you are asthmatic, you can suffer from attacks which obstruct the flow of air to the lungs. Breathing becomes difficult and forced breathing becomes necessary. A wheezing sound appears due to the rush of air through your narrowed airways. At the same time, a troublesome cough can develop. Asthma may begin at any age and if neglected, tends to recur and become chronic. Asthma may be allergic or nonallergic in origin. In allergic asthma, environmental allergens trigger the disease when inhaled or ingested.

 

ECZEMA
If you suffer from eczema, your skin can become irritated and develop rashes which can be either wet, dry or occasionally chapped. The reactions are often accompanied by severe itching. The cause is often not clear but is frequently seen in children of families with a history of allergic diseases. The eczema usually starts during the first year of life, on the face. Later, it is often seen on the inside of the elbows, backs of the knees, neck, ankles, wrists and the hands. The eczema, in many cases, disappears during the teens.

 

FOOD ALLERGY
The stomach and the digestive system are also frequent targets for allergic disease. Symptoms are caused by allergies to foods which can result in vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhea or constipation. Frequently, eczema and hives may be produced after ingesting food to which you are allergic. Food allergy may also trigger asthmatic attacks and rarely, generalized anaphylaxis.