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 consist of the resulting symptoms.

People all over the world suffer from allergies, and there are many types of reactions to allergens. The most common allergies are called seasonal allergies, and are the result of the pollen of certain trees or plants being in high concentrations in the air at certain times of the year. A somewhat lesser number of people experience allergies to particular foods or animal dander.

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, they can sometimes be prevented and the symptoms they cause can be treated.

Mild or Moderate Allergies

Most people with allergies experience only relatively mild symptoms. (Mild or moderate meaning not life-threatening.) 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 medication. 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 treatment.

You can help reduce the effects of allergies such as “hay fever” by remaining indoors as much as possible during that time of year and, if the problem is more severe, using an air filter for your home. Other types of allergic reactions may be prevented or reduced by figuring out what is causing your allergy and avoiding the offending substance. Your doctor may also suggest that you have allergy shots.

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.

Severe Allergic Reactions

For some others, the allergic reaction is less moderate. Sometimes the reaction spreads 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, and of course avoidance of the allergen, can all help to remedy these effects.

While rare, severe allergic reactions are serious. Allergens that are often the cause of several allergic reactions include food allergies. Seafood, peanuts, milk, and eggs are the most common allergens in food allergies. Chemicals may also be a cause. Symptoms may include swelling of the face, hives, abdominal pain or cramps, and angioedema, which are hives inside the throat. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, as the progression of these allergic reactions 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 as soon as it starts, 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.

Another possibly severe allergy that is also seen fairly often is an allergy to latex. Latex is often used in gloves that people use to clean their homes, as well as the disposable gloves that are often worn by medical professionals. In Latex allergies the skin of the hands turns red and itchy after wearing the gloves. And for people with asthma, a latex allergy can be life-threatening because the allergic swelling can block their already afflicted airways.

Some people have a severe allergy to insects, especially those with stingers. They may need to receive a shot of epinephrine and require medical attention. 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.