An allergen is any substance that causes inflammation in someone’s body when they are exposed to that substance, whether topically or internally. Inflammation occurs when the immune system reacts to a particular allergen, and the inflammation causes related symptoms. So, Allergies are disorders that are the body’s reaction to the sufferer’s sensitivity to certain allergens and the resulting symptoms.

People all over the world suffer from allergies, of which there are many types. The most common are seasonal allergies, which are the result of certain trees, plants, or pollens in the air at certain times of the year. Other people experience allergies to particular foods or animals.

Symptoms of allergies vary by person. They are classified by the degree of severity, including mild, moderate, and severe allergic reactions. While there is no cure for allergies, to a degree they can be prevented, and the symptoms they cause can be treated. Most people with allergies experience only mild symptoms. These may include watery eyes, itchy skin, a runny nose, coughing, or hives. This type of allergic reaction can usually be controlled by taking an antihistamine. There are several over the counter antihistamines available, as well as some that you can only get with a prescription. Your doctor can advise you about treatments. You can help reduce the effects of allergies such as “hay fever” by remaining indoors during that time of year, and of other types by figuring out what is causing your allergy and avoiding the offending substance. Your doctor may also suggest that you have an allergy shot.

For some others, the allergic reaction is less moderate. Sometimes, the reaction has spread to other parts of the body. The person may find it difficult to breathe. A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening. Molds are often the offending allergen in severe allergic reactions. Antihistamines, steroids, and immunotherapy, at the direction of a doctor, can all help to remedy these effects.

While rare, such reactions are a serious matter. Another cause of several allergic reactions may be food allergies. Peanuts, milk, and eggs are the most common allergens in food allergies. Symptoms may include swelling of the face, abdominal pain, cramps, hives, and angioedema, which are hives inside the throat. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, as they may be life-threatening. If a person is vulnerable to severe allergic reactions they may carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector, often called an Epipen, to stop the reaction, since medical help may not be available quickly enough. Hives and rashes take longer to go away but can be reduced by using cortisone cream.

Animal allergies are very difficult to control. It may take an allergic person up to two years of exposure to an animal to develop an allergic reaction. In addition, it can take months after they have stopped being around that animal or its dander for the symptoms to stop. This makes it hard to pinpoint what is causing the reaction, since the person might be fine for some time but then suddenly develop an allergy.

An interesting allergy that is seen fairly often is to latex. Latex is often used in gloves that many people use to clean their homes, as well as the disposable gloves that are often worn by people in the medical profession. The skin of the hands often turns red and itchy. For people with asthma, a latex allergy can be life-threatening because the allergic swelling can block the already afflicted airways.

Some people have a severe allergy to insects, especially those with stingers. They may require medical attention to receive a shot of epinephrine. Insect allergies seem to happen fairly often in families with no known medical history of severe allergies, so parents should carefully monitor their young children when they play outdoors. Anaphylactic Shock can be terrifying and life-threatening.