Very rarely is an allergy life threatening. True, some individuals are so sensitive to wasp venom they can die from a single sting, if not treated promptly. Asthma can have serious effects, as well. But for most, allergies are merely a nuisance. But, oh, what a big nuisance! They make it difficult to concentrate. They [...]

Over 2/3 of all homes have pets. Yet, official estimates of those who are allergic to animals reach as high as 10%. That’s a guarantee of a lot of potential allergies. But there are several effective strategies for dealing with those facts. Allergic rhinitis, skin rash or other symptoms are the result of contact chiefly [...]

The range of symptoms associated with allergies is as vast as the types of allergic reactions themselves. But several are common. Identifying them correctly is the first step to proper treatment. A few airborne allergens, such as pollen or certain mold spores, tend to produce the following symptoms: Conjunctivitis is an all too familiar condition [...]

Eczema, hives and other skin conditions are a common reaction in those who have a type of allergy called contact dermatitis. It may be caused by sensitivity to hair dyes or perfumes. It can result from wearing rings made from certain metals like nickel or gold. According to a recent study at the Mayo Clinic, [...]

A great many things can cause red welts on the skin. Thousands of conditions can give you a runny nose. To determine whether or not these are allergic reactions requires a professional diagnosis. SKIN TESTS Among the most common and effective methods used to test for allergies are skin or prick tests. These procedures inject [...]

Dust, per se, isn’t generally an allergen, even for sensitive persons. But dust mites have that name because they live on the small particles that are in everyone’s home. They are a common cause of allergic reactions. As they produce feces and their bodies decay, they introduce proteins into the environment that the immune system [...]

During much of the year, plants produce pollen. Mold knows no season and may occur anytime. Plants release pollen in order to fertilize other plants. Not all of those particles reach their intended targets. Some enter the airways of people. The same goes for mold, which can find its way into the nose or mouth [...]

An allergy is the result of an overreaction by the body’s immune system in the presence of an allergen. But how does that work, exactly? Knowing that helps one understand what’s happening when you suffer that runny nose, itchy rash or stomach upset. An allergy is actually a category of hypersensitivity. Substances (called allergens) that [...]

Hives (allergic urticaria) are red, itchy bumps near the surface of the skin. Like many other allergies, they are the result of overproduction of histamine. That reaction can be produced by a wide variety of things. In many cases, hives are the consequence of a food allergy. Eggs, peanuts, shellfish, milk and other foods can [...]

Two factors are involved in every allergic reaction – the allergen and the person who is sensitive to it. An allergen is any substance that produces an allergic reaction. But that sounds circular. To flesh it out a little simple science is all that’s needed. The body’s immune system releases antibodies to anything it views [...]