An allergy is a hypersensitivity of the body's immune system to an irritant. An allergic response can be minor and wide-spread such as in the case of hay fever, which impacts a huge portion of the base population and provides such signs and symptoms as runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Yet in other people, an allergy to an environmental agent, medication or a food item can result in a life-threatening response.
This write-up shares a concise summary of the signs and symptoms, causes and remedies linked with allergic conditions. For more details take a look at our considerable Health Condition Library or our Health Symptoms Diagnosis Tool.
Allergy
Indications will vary widely based mostly on the irritant and the variety of allergy but may present in ways such as skin rashes (i.e. eczema), runny nose and watery eyes (i.e. hay fever), breathing troubles such as wheezing (i.e. bronchial asthma), coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
So what causes an allergic hypersensitivity response? The origin of quite a few allergic responses is not very well recognized but an allergy can present when the body's immune system becomes sensitive to an irritant. It is not uncommon to develop allergies later on in life due to repeated exposure to an irritant.
A person with an allergy can first observe the signs and symptoms that are outlined earlier and should be evaluated by a health care provider. The analysis may consist of a physical examination and possibly blood checks or allergy skin assessments to determine the irritant that is causing the allergy.
Remedies can vary relying on the severity of the response to the allergen. A physician may prescribe antihistamine treatment or possibly corticosteroids to lower the signs. Over-the-counter medicines containing antihistamines and decongestants may minimize small signs and symptoms. Allergy shots can be given in extreme cases to make a particular person much less sensitive to the irritant.
Allergy symptoms can vary from a periodic nuisance to a life-threatening reaction. It is critical to closely observe your body's response to an irritant and look for medical care if respiratory is impacted or other serious indications arise
