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An allergy occurs as a result of the body’s response to a foreign substance. These foreign substances are called Allergens and include mold, pollens, insects, animal dander, any food item like milk, peanuts, etc. Allergies are commonly observed in people residing in the US. Every fifth person living in the US suffers from allergies.

How a person does develop an allergy?

An allergic reaction occurs when your body comes in the contact with an allergen. When your body comes in the contact with an allergen, it releases a substance called histamine. Histamine is a substance that develops allergy symptoms.

What are the various allergy symptoms?

Depending on the type of allergy, your symptoms will vary. Nasal allergy can cause watery eyes, tiredness, and a runny nose. Skin allergy can produce symptoms such as itchy and inflamed skin rashes, while food allergies can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Depending on the severity of symptoms, your doctor will prescribe you an allergy medication.

A mild allergic reaction does not require treatment. Mild allergy symptoms will generally subside in a few days. Moderate symptoms can make you feel sick and you may experience symptoms of cold or flu. A severe form of an allergy is termed ‘Anaphylaxis’, which is a rare occurrence. It is a life-threatening condition, which can produce symptoms such as shortness of breath, rashes all over the body, tingling in hands and feet and hoarseness or tingling in the throat. If you experience these symptoms call your medical practitioner right away.

Who can suffer from allergies?

You can suffer from allergies at any age. You may suffer from allergies as a child or may not get allergies until you enter adulthood. Certain individuals are sensitive to a particular allergen while others are not. Your probability of suffering from a certain type of allergy increases more than twice if your parents have suffered from the same kind of allergy.

How are allergies treated?

Allergies are commonly treated using allergy medications. The most common and widely prescribed allergy medications include antihistamines. The other allergy medications include decongestants, corticosteroids, etc.

Antihistamines work by preventing the action of histamine on H1 receptors. Antihistamines are available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays, liquids, and eyedrops. Some are available on prescription, while others are sold over the counter. There are two types of antihistamines- first generation and second generation. The first-generation antihistamines are sedating and produce more side effects as compared to second-generation antihistamines.  

Prescription antihistamines include Desloratadine (Clarinex), and Azelastine eyedrops (Optivar), Hydroxyzine (Atarax), etc. Over the counter, anti-histamines include Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Fexofenadine (Allegra), and Loratadine (Claritin). Take allergy medications producing drowsiness before going to bed. Do not take them before engaging in activities like driving or using machinery. 

Decongestant help in relieving nasal congestion, while corticosteroids help in relieving symptoms such as itching and skin inflammation. 

Purchase allergy medications at local pharmacies or online drugstores. While ordering online look for a reliable drug store.

 The above things you should understand about allergies.