Allergies: What They Are What You Can Do About Them
An allergy is an abnormal reaction or increased sensitivity to certain substances or "allergens." The allergic individual produces symptoms when exposed to these substances which are harmless to non-allergic people. Many people have few, if any, allergies (except perhaps to having to work inside on a beautiful, sunny day). Others are so incredibly allergic that merely taking an aspirin or getting stung by a bee can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (see "Anaphylaxis: the most serious allergic reaction" below).
How can I tell if it's a cold or an allergy?
While both colds and certain allergies may share common symptoms, a cold is caused by a virus and an allergy is triggered by an allergen. Many people who suffer from allergic rhinitis ("Hay Fever") think they have colds, when in fact substances in their environments are to blame.
Allergic rhinitis results from an inflammation and irritation of the lining of the nose in response to an allergen. Common symptoms include a clear, watery nasal discharge, itchy nose, and sneezing with watery and itchy eyes. A cold is frequently accompanied by other symptoms such as sore throat and cough and only lasts 3 - 5 days, whereas allergic rhinitis tends to come and go and recur during the same season each year.
Numerous allergens may cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis: pollens are most common in the spring, grasses in the summer, and ragweed in the fall. Dust and household mites may produce year-round symptoms. Air pollution is also a factor.
Common outdoor allergens
trees
grass
weed pollen
ragweed
sage or goldenrod pollen
mold spores
industrial pollution
Common indoor allergens
house dust
mold
feathers
wool
cosmetics
dander or furry pets
tobacco smoke
aerosols
fresh paint
Allergens affect your immune system
When your immune system is exposed to allergens, it produces antibodies that attach themselves to certain cells in your body.
