Allergies are immune system reactions to generally harmless substances, which can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and swelling. Types of allergic reactions include skin reactions, respiratory reactions, gastrointestinal reactions, and anaphylaxis, with severe reactions posing significant health risks. Treatment involves managing symptoms, with mild cases often treated with antihistamines and severe reactions potentially requiring emergency interventions like epinephrine injections.

1. How to manage and treat allergies
What is an allergy
An allergy is a condition in which the body’s immune system reacts to a
substance that is typically harmless. When the body comes into contact with the
allergen, it releases histamine, a chemical that leads to symptoms such as
sneezing, itching, and swelling. allergies can be caused by a variety of things,
including pollen, pet dander, dust, and certain foods. Some people have such
severe allergies that they can go into anaphylactic shock, which can be
life-threatening.
How many types of allergy
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a foreign substance, such
as pollen, pet dander, or bee venom. The immune system produces antibodies to

2. the allergen, and the next time you come in contact with the allergen, you may
have an allergic reaction.
There are four types of allergic reactions:
1. Skin reactions, such as hives, eczema, and contact dermatitis.
2. Respiratory reactions, such as hay fever, asthma, and allergic
bronchitis.
3. Gastrointestinal reactions, such as food allergies and celiac disease.
4. Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can affect
multiple systems in the body.
People can be allergic to just about anything, including pollen, pet dander, dust
mites, mold, insect bites, drugs, and food. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of
chronic illness in the United States, and more than 50 million Americans suffer
from allergies each year.
What causes of allergy
Here’s a look at the causes of some of the most common allergies.
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is
generally harmless to most people. When you have an allergy, your immune
system mistakes the allergen for a dangerous invader and produces antibodies
to fight it off. The next time you come into contact with that allergen, you may
have an allergic reaction.
The most common allergies are caused by dust mites, mold, insect bites, drugs,
and food. Allergies can also be caused by pet dander, pollen, and latex.
dust mites:
Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in dust. They are too small to be seen with
the naked eye, but they can cause big problems for people with allergies. Dust
mites are a leading cause of asthma and allergic reactions.

3. Mold:
Mold is a type of fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Mold
grows in damp, humid places. It can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, and
coughing.
Insect bites:
Many people are allergic to the saliva of insects, such as bees, wasps, and
mosquitoes. Insect bites can cause swelling, redness, and itchiness. In some
cases, they can even cause anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening
reaction.
Drugs:
Some people are allergic to certain drugs, such as penicillin. Allergic reactions to
drugs can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be
life-threatening.
Food:
Food allergies are one of the most common types of allergies. The most common
food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.
What happens when you have allergic reaction
It’s not uncommon to have an occasional allergy. You may sneeze a few times
when you come in contact with pollen or you may get a rash from eating certain
foods. But for some people, allergies can be much more serious.
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such
as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn’t cause a reaction in
most people.
Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. These
antibodies protect you from harmful substances by recognizing and binding to

4. them. This process usually works well. But sometimes, your immune system
overreacts and produces too many antibodies. When this happens, you may
have an allergic reaction.
There are two types of allergic reactions:
Type I, also known as anaphylactic or hypersensitivity reactions, are severe and
can be life-threatening.
Type II, also known as cytotoxic reactions, are less severe but can still cause
serious health problems.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction
Allergic reactions can vary from mild to severe. They can occur within minutes or
hours after you come in contact with the allergen.
Mild symptoms include:
Sneezing
coughing
itchy, watery eyes
runny nose
rash
hives
swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
Severe symptoms include:

5. trouble breathing
wheezing
hoarseness
sore throat
swelling of the tongue
trouble swallowing
hives
itchy, watery eyes
swelling of the lips, face, throat and other body parts
dizziness
lightheadedness
loss of consciousness
Anaphylactic reactions
Anaphylactic reactions are rare but can be life-threatening. They usually occur
within minutes of exposure to the allergen.
Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include:
trouble breathing
wheezing
hoarseness

6. sore throat
swelling of the tongue
trouble swallowing
hives
itchy, watery eyes
swelling of the lips, face, throat and other body parts
dizziness
lightheadedness
loss of consciousness
If you have a severe allergic reaction, you may go into shock. Shock is a serious
condition that occurs when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level.
If not treated, shock can lead to organ failure and death.
Treatment of allergic reactions
If you have a mild allergic reaction, you may only need over-the-counter (OTC)
medication, such as antihistamines, to help relieve your symptoms.
If you have a severe allergic reaction, you may need emergency medical
treatment. Emergency
treatment may include:
injections of epinephrine (adrenaline)

7. oxygen
intravenous (IV) fluids
inhaled bronchodilators
corticosteroids
antihistamines
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
If you’re at risk for severe reactions, you may need to carry an epinephrine
auto-injector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Twinject). Epinephrine is a medication that can
help reduce the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
If you have a severe allergy, you should also wear a medical alert bracelet or
necklace that says you have a severe allergy.
Prevention of allergic reactions
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that
causes your allergy. But this isn’t always possible.
If you have a food allergy, you need to avoid the food that triggers your allergy.
But you also need to be aware of hidden sources of the food. For example, if
you’re allergic to peanuts, you need to avoid not only peanuts but also foods that
contain peanut products.
If you have a pollen allergy, you may be able to reduce your symptoms by staying
indoors on days when the pollen count is high. You should also avoid mowing the
lawn and gardening.
If you have a pet allergy, you may be able to reduce your symptoms by keeping
your pet out of your bedroom and off of upholstered furniture. You should also
have someone else brush and bathe your pet.