Main Menu
It’s common to hear someone sniffle and sneeze and mutter, “Ugh, allergies,” but the term allergy is actually a broad umbrella term that encompasses a number of ways in which the body may be rejecting outside elements. In order to know exactly how to tackle your allergies, you first need to understand which type of allergies they might be.
Food Allergy
About 5 percent of the population suffers from a legitimate food allergy, while others are simply sensitive to certain foods. A true food allergy can develop at any age when the body’s immune system overreacts and identifies an otherwise safe food as a danger and stimulates a response to fight the “dangerous” food away.
It is most common for eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy to cause food allergies. When people with food allergies eat a food that their body cannot tolerate, the results can range from minor hives to very serious wheezing, swelling of the tongue, dizziness, and even impaired breathing.
Pet Allergy
Pets may be cute, but their allergens cause nasal congestion, chest tightness, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, and even hives. Pets produce many different allergens that people respond to negatively, and these allergens can be present anywhere from a pet’s urine, fur, dander, and saliva. Some people only need high-efficiency air filters to make being around pets bearable, while others can’t even come near a cat or dog.
Typical “Allergies”
The term “allergies” is most commonly used when referring to hay fever, the seasonal or perennial reaction to airborne pollens, mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens floating around. These allergies can occur indoors or outdoors, may be triggered by high pollen periods, and usually result in the typical itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion.
An allergy specialist can help allergy sufferers determine the root of their symptoms in order to pursue an efficient and safe solution.