A Guide to Allergies - Allergies & Allergy Symptoms

Although there are numerous types of allergies, symptoms are often quite similar. Typically an allergy presents itself via a combination of symptoms that may include itching, watery eyes, sneezing, swelling, or rashes. With the wide variety of existing allergies, there is also an extensive number of symptoms, each of which may need to be treated differently.

At the core, an allergy is an abnormal immune response to something that should otherwise be harmless. Basically, an allergy occurs when the body's immune system erroneously believes that something is harmful when it isn't. It reacts by releasing certain antibodies and chemicals such as histamine into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, this reaction and these bodily chemicals are what cause the itching and swelling that signify an allergic reaction.

Allergy symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from benign to extremely severe. More extreme reactions are called anaphylaxis and include hampered breathing, swelling, dizziness, and even unconsciousness. In many cases, allergies are hereditary and are passed from to generation to generation. Nevertheless, having a parent who suffers from hay fever doesn't automatically mean that their children will develop the condition as well.

One of the most commonly used methods to fight allergies is the use of antihistamines. Allergy sufferers should always consult a doctor prior to taking any such drug. There are also a number of non-medical forms of relief, including herbal remedies and air purifiers. The latter may drastically reduce the amount of allergens in the air and therefore potentially reduce the chances of an outbreak.