While it’s only the second week of February, spring will be here before we know it. With that comes blooming flowers, green grass, and the sweet smell of rain. Sadly, however, not everything about the spring season is enjoyable. Because with the new and growing life and warmer temperatures also come allergies. According to the AAFA, over 50 million people suffer some allergie each year, and allergies is the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in America.
Beyond seasonal allergie, of course, there are several other types of allergies. Including those related to food, medicine, animals, and the like. In this blog, we’ll discuss the nature of allergie with tips on how to avoid and treat them.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are the immune system’s exaggerated response to different environmental substances that aren’t harmful to most people. This happens because your immune system is designed to fight dangerous pathogens by attacking and killing them. Typically, most people do not experience any sort of reaction when encountering an allergen for the first time, however, subsequent encounters may cause the immune system to recognize and attack said substance.
When fighting various allergens, your body releases antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) for self-defense purposes. In terms of symptoms, they vary from person to person and depend on both the type and source of the allergen(s). Below, you’ll discover the most common allergens found in the world today, according to the FDA.
Common Food Allergens
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
Common Environmental Allergens
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet dander (cat, dog, horse, etc.)
- Mold
- Cockroaches
Exploring Different Types of Allergies
As mentioned prior, there are several types of allergies out there, each with its own symptoms and reactions. Read below to learn more.
Food Allergies
Food allergie are responsible for a tingling feeling in the nose, throat, and mouth. This feeling may also be accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (redness and swelling of the eyes), and skin inflammation.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergie present symptoms that are very similar to those of a cold. These include nasal congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes, as well as a dry, itchy cough.
Severe Allergies
Sometimes, allergie can take an ugly turn, even becoming life-threatening. Severe allergic reactions come with more serious symptoms, such as lightheadedness, mental confusion, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. Complications of Allergies
