Q&A: Understanding Allergies and How to Deal With Them

What are Allergies?
Allergies are hypersensitive immune responses to substances that either enter or come into contact with the body. These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, dust mites, certain foods, and pet dander. For those with allergies, exposure to these allergens can trigger symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
Common Types of Allergies
- Pollen Allergy: Also known as hay fever, symptoms can include sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
- Dust Mite Allergy: Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in household dust. Symptoms can be similar to hay fever, and may also cause asthma attacks.
- Food Allergy: Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and shellfish. Symptoms can range from mild reactions like hives to severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
- Pet Allergy: This is typically caused by exposure to dander, saliva, or urine from pets, primarily cats and dogs. Symptoms can include sneezing, wheezing, and eye irritation.
Managing Allergies
While there is no cure for allergies, they can be managed with prevention strategies and treatment. Prevention is the best way to avoid allergic reactions. This could involve avoiding known allergens, using air purifiers, or keeping pets out of certain rooms. Medications can also help to relieve allergy symptoms. These may include antihistamines, decongestants, and steroid nasal sprays. For severe allergies, immunotherapy may be recommended.