An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non-allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on.

ALLERGENS• Allergens are allergy-producing

substances

•Examples of allergens include:

.Nearly 20% of Americans suffers from

allergies

A magnified view of sunflower pollen.

Keep pets off furniture and wash pets weekly to ease your allergy symptoms.

A dust mite in a dust ball with various hairs, plant parts, and debris.

Insect stings inject venom that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Mold, magnified here, plays a role in decomposition of organic material.

Food allergies are on the rise in the U.S.; peanuts are a common allergen.

Latex gloves are the most common offending product for latex allergies.

Some people develop sensitivity to salicylates, a major ingredient in aspirin.

What smells divine to one person can be problematic for another.

Dead roaches and their feces often cause allergies, not the bugs themselves.

When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic. Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."

Allergies are extremely common, and they are on the rise. Already, about 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, leading to a lot of missed work and school days each year. Annual medical costs already exceed $4.5 billion.

What are common allergic conditions and their symptoms and signs?

The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitive people.

Not only do allergies cause a range of annoying symptoms, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, but they can aggravate or trigger other conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, and ear infections. For example, when allergies cause inflammation in your nasal passages, the opening to your sinuses can become blocked, leading to sinus inflammation, sinus infections, and sinus pain. Similarly, if allergies cause inflammation in your ear canal, the ears don't drain properly, which can lead to ear infections.

•But allergies don't stop there. The body's immune system is active from your head to your toes: allergies can cause different skin-related symptoms (such as hives, eczema, and rashes); some types of allergies can lead to gastrointestinal problems; and assorted allergy-related symptoms can pervade the body (such as fatigue, headaches, loss of smell, and sleep disturbances).

•One of the most deadly kinds of allergic reaction is called "anaphylaxis," which is when the entire body has a swift, severe reaction to something such as foods (examples include peanuts, nuts, shellfish, or food additives), latex, medications (penicillin), or insect stings. The body literally goes into shock, leading to a sharp drop in blood pressure, respiratory arrest, and possible heart failure.

Common allergic disorders Allergic Rhinitis ("hay fever") is the most common of

the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens.

Symptoms:

Runny nose

Stuffy nose

Sneezing

Nasal itching (rubbing)

Itchy ears and throat

Post nasal drip (throat clearing)

Common allergic disorders Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the

inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies.

Symptoms:

Shortness of breathh

Wheezing

Coughing

Chest tightness

Common allergic disorders Allergic eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) is

inflammation of the tissue layers (membranes) that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid.

Symptoms:

Redness under the lids and of the eye overall

Watery, itchy eyes

Swelling of the membranes

Common allergic disorders Hives (urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as

itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction, such as to a food or medication, but they also may occur in non-allergic people.

Symptoms:

Raised red welts

Intense itching

•Air Conditioning and Allergies To reduce problems with pollen, molds and dust mites, use air condition in your house and car and, you can also add an air cleaner to your central air conditioner.

•Anaphylactic Shock Anaphylactic shock, it is related with bee or fire ant stings.

•Attic Fans Attic fan should be prohibited during allergy. The fan sucks pollen into the house.

How to Prevent Yourself From Allergies

Bedding and Dust Mites

Dust mites creates problem for you so seal your mattress, box springs and pillows in allergy-resistant plastic covers available at most discount stores.

Carpeting Causes Allergy Problems

You should dump the carpeting and use throw rugs instead. Many people like a carpeted home, try to change or clean it after some days.

Cold Compresses for Allergy Relief

Use a cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes. Take it with cold water and place over your eyes.

How to Prevent Yourself From Allergies

Dandruff and Shampoo Dyes Dandruff may also cause allergic. Even dandruff

remedy shampoos often contain dyes. Drug Treatment for Allergies Some of the drugs may also cause of allergy because if

it don't compatible for you then it effect. Read the label for proper dosage, side effects, etc

Face Masks Use face mask when doing while vacuuming and

gardening. You can buy face masks at a hardware store. Pets, Bedrooms and Allergies