Allergy Symptoms

An allergic reaction occurs, when the immune system overproduces antibodies, in response to a substance or allergen, which would not normally be considered to be harmful. So the allergen, mistakenly identified as a threat, triggers an allergic reaction that leads to allergy symptoms.

There are many different allergens that affect different people in different ways, and frequently not at all! Food allergies are quite common, as are those due to environmental factors, such as dust and smoke. People who are not allergic, are somewhat fortunate, as they do not suffer from unpleasant and health sapping allergy symptoms. However, just because some people do not suffer from allergy symptoms does not necessarily mean that they never will, as allergies can develop at any time. But that is another story!

Range of Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms range from being fairly mild, to uncomfortable, to very severe, and occasionally life threatening. Some of the more common symptoms are listed below:

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchiness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling of tongue and throat
Loss of consciousness
Anaphylaxis (fatal in rare cases)

Cause of Allergy Symptoms

Some studies have shown that allergy may be due to genetic or hereditary factors. However, opinion is divided, and other studies are inconclusive, so the exact cause is a bit of a mystery.

Pollen from grass, weeds, and trees, is a common allergen, as millions of hay fever sufferers, amongst others, could testify. This miserable allergy symptom frequently occurs in the spring, but may recur again in summer, so do not lower your guard!

Another common hazard is dust that contains a variety of allergens, including dust mites. They are minute living creatures, and they are also unwelcome guests, as the dirty little blighters create allergic reactions, leading to allergy symptoms. They make their homes in fabrics and furnishings, including carpets, bedding, mattresses, pillows and upholstery.

Of course there are creatures in your house, which unlike dust mites, are extremely welcome, and may even be considered to be part of the family. No prizes for guessing that this refers to dogs and cats. However, you should be aware that animal dander is a well-known allergen. It is found in skin, saliva, and urine, and can induce allergy symptoms. Fortunately it may not always be that serious, and it has to be a personal decision, as to whether allergy sufferers keep a pet or not. It depends on various circumstances, including the severity of the allergy symptoms.

Controlling Allergy Symptoms

Unless you can create a totally sterile environment, it is all but impossible to completely avoid allergens, and allergy symptoms.

Cleanliness is next to godliness, and is a necessity more than a requirement, in keeping allergy symptoms at bay. So if you shower in the morning, ensure that you do so again at bedtime, to wash away any accumulated allergens. Of course your house should be kept spotless.

Try to avoid going outside during dry, and windy weather. At such times the air will be teaming with dust, so keep your doors and windows shut, not just to lock out the weather, but also the airborne allergens just waiting to blow you down with allergy symptoms.

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