Common allergies and allergy treatment

Because of the pollination that occurs in the spring, allergy season in the United States often peaks from mid-February to early June. However, depending on where you live, some people may develop allergies at other times of the year.

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a substance (known as an allergen) that is typically harmless to most people. The immune system overreacts to the allergen, leading to various symptoms and discomfort.

Common symptoms of allergies include sneezing, itching, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, hives, rashes, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Allergies can be caused by a wide range of substances, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, certain foods (such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, and milk), insect stings, medications (like penicillin), latex, and certain chemicals.

Allergies are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing. Allergy tests can include skin prick tests, blood tests, or in some cases, oral food challenges.

Preventing allergies involves avoiding known allergens as much as possible. This may include minimizing exposure to pollen, keeping indoor environments clean and free from dust mites and pet dander, practicing good hygiene, wearing protective clothing in certain environments, and following a specific diet if you have food allergies.

The most common types of allergies include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, food allergies, insect sting allergies, drug allergies, and skin allergies (such as eczema and contact dermatitis).

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. It can cause difficulty breathing, swelling, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Treatment involves the prompt use of an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) and seeking emergency medical care.

Yes, allergies can have a hereditary component. If one or both parents have allergies, their children have an increased risk of developing allergies as well. However, the specific allergies a person develops may not be the same as their parents'.

Some allergies, particularly those that develop in childhood, can be outgrown over time. For example, many children outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, and wheat. However, allergies such as peanut or tree nut allergies tend to persist into adulthood.

Allergies can be managed through a combination of allergen avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy (such as allergy shots). Medications commonly used to treat allergies include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Severe allergies may require emergency medications like epinephrine for immediate treatment of anaphylaxis.