What to Expect: Allergies

Winter Allergies

Sneezing, watery eyes aren't just for the spring season.

Allergies Overview

Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and skin, sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, and rash. Seasonal allergies result from grass, weed, tree pollen, or molds. Cat and dog dander allergies are common. Food allergies include peanut or milk.

Overview & Facts

When you have allergies, it means your immune system reacts to something that’s usually harmless. Learn more. 

1. The Basics

   1. What Is an Allergy?This article explains the basics of an allergic reaction. Learn what happens when your immune system goes on high alert.
   2. Who Gets Allergies?Anyone can get them, at any age. You could develop them as a child, or you might not have any symptoms until you’re an adult.
   3. What Causes an Allergic Reaction?While your problem may seem to start in the nose or the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune system run wild.

2. Complications

   1. Allergies and AsthmaAsthma attacks (worsening of asthma symptoms) can be triggered by allergies, which can temporarily increase the inflammation of the airways in a susceptible person.
   2. Allergies and SinusitisSinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Allergies can trigger sinusitis. 
   3. What Happens in Anaphylaxis?Sometimes, allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. It's not common, but you should be aware of what to do if it happens.
   4. Nasal PolypsNasal polyps are noncancerous, teardrop-shaped growths that form in the nose or sinuses. They’re often linked to allergies or asthma.

Symptoms & Types

Learn the types of allergies including food allergies, seasonal allergies, pet allergies, and many more.

1. Respiratory Allergies

   1. Spring AllergiesThere's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits.
   2. Summer AllergiesSummer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds.
   3. Fall AllergiesRagweed, mold and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall.
   4. Winter AllergiesIf you have indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside.
   5. Hay FeverHay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an immune disorder characterized by an allergic response to pollen grains and other substances. There are two types: seasonal, which occurs only during the time of year in which certain plants pollinate, and perennial, which occurs year-round.
   6. Pollen AllergiesMore than 25 million Americans are allergic to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds.
   7. Mold AllergyAll of us are exposed to some mold every day, and usually, there are no problems. But if you have allergies to it, you can have a reaction if you’re around too much of it
   8. Dust AllergyFor creatures you can't even see, dust mites can stir up a lot of trouble.
   9. Dog AllergyFor a person with dog allergies, life in a dog-loving country isn't easy. Approximately 37%-47% of American households have a dog.
   10. Cat AllergyAbout 10% of the U.S. population has pet allergies and cats are among the most common culprits. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies.

2. Food Allergies

   1. Is It an Allergy or an Intolerance?Food allergies or food intolerances affect nearly everyone at some point. People often have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate and wonder if they have a food allergy.
   2. Milk AllergyIf you suffer from a milk allergy, strictly avoiding milk and food containing milk and milk products is the only way to prevent a reaction, which can include immediate wheezing, vomiting, and hives.
   3. Casein AllergyIf a glass of milk or slice of pizza causes swollen lips, hives, or other symptoms, you may have an allergy to casein, a protein in milk. Another milk protein associated with allergies is whey. Some people are allergic to both casein and whey.
   4. Egg AllergyEgg allergies are more common in children than in adults. Reactions range from mild to severe.
   5. Wheat AllergyIt can be a challenge to avoid wheat because it’s in so many things.
   6. Nut AllergyIf you suffer from a nut allergy, strictly avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts like cashews and walnuts, and food containing nuts is the only way to prevent a reaction.
   7. Fish AllergyIf you’re allergic to one kind of fish, your doctor may have told you to avoid others. Here’s what to look out for.
   8. Shellfish AllergyIf you’re allergic to one type of shellfish, you may have problems with others. Take these steps to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
   9. Sulfite SensitivitySulfites are a group of sulfur-based compounds that may occur naturally or may be added to food as an enhancer and preservative. The FDA estimates that one out of 100 people is sensitive to the compounds.
   10. Soy AllergyIf all you needed to do for a soy allergy was skip the soy sauce and tofu, life would be a breeze! But soybeans are a big part of processed foods, too.

3. Skin Allergies

   1. Contact DermatitisSomething touches your skin, and your immune system thinks it's under attack. It overreacts and sends antibodies to help fight the invader, called an allergen. The result is a red, itchy rash where the substance landed.
   2. Hives (Urticaria) and AngioedemaHives, also known as urticaria, are an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps, patches, or welts on the skin that appear suddenly -- as a result of allergies, or for other reasons. In angioedema, the swelling happens under the skin, not on the surface.
   3. Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and SumacPoison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Urushiol triggers an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with skin, resulting in an itchy rash, which can appear within hours of exposure or up to several days later.
   4. Allergies to Insect StingsBee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. Most people are not allergic to insect stings and may mistake a normal sting reaction for an allergic reaction.
   5. Can You Be Allergic to the Sun?Most people's skin will burn if there is enough exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, some people burn particularly easily or develop exaggerated skin reactions to sunlight.
   6. Cosmetic AllergiesSome beauty products can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
   7. Nickel AllergyA nickel allergy is a skin reaction that develops after exposure to nickel or items containing the metal.

4. Other Allergies

   1. Eye AllergiesMillions of Americans have allergies. Most of those millions have symptoms involving their eyes.
   2. Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults.
   3. Drug AllergiesMany medications can cause side effects, and certain ones can trigger allergies.
   4. Aspirin (Salicylate) AllergyIf you're allergic to chemicals called salicylates, you may need to avoid certain foods, medicines, and other products.
   5. Penicillin AllergySince the 1940s, penicillin has been a go-to drug to clear up infections caused by bacteria. But some people get a bad reaction from taking it.

Diagnosis & Tests

To pinpoint the allergy problem -- and determine the treatment – your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and habits. You’ll also need various tests.

1. Finding the Cause of AllergiesAn allergist may be able to help identify your allergy triggers. Several different types of allergy tests are used to do this..
2. Questions Your Doctor Will Ask YouYour doctor will likely ask you a series of questions to help determine if your problem is allergy related. Here’s what to expect.
3. Allergy Skin TestSkin testing is one way your doctor can check on what causes your allergy symptoms.
4. Blood Test for AllergiesAllergy blood tests detect and measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood. When you come into contact with an allergy trigger, your body makes antibodies against it,
5. Food Allergy TestingTesting is the most controversial aspect of food allergy treatment. But new guidelines help doctors use food allergy tests in the best possible way.   
6. Allergy Symptom DiaryIf you have a food allergy, you may need to keep a food diary – and remove certain foods from your diet – to determine exactly what you’re allergic to.
7. Elimination DietThe elimination diet involves removing specific foods or ingredients from your diet that you and your doctor suspect may be causing your allergy symptoms (common allergy-causing foods include milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, and soy). Your doctor will supervise this diet over a few weeks.

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