Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesCommon AllergensSeasonal AllergiesSymptomsTestingTreatmentPreventionNext in Allergies Guide6 Common Types of Allergies
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Common Allergens
Seasonal Allergies
Symptoms
Testing
Treatment
Prevention
Next in Allergies Guide
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance—such as pollen, dust mites, or mold—that does not affect most people.
When someone with allergies comes into contact with these substances, known asallergens, their immune system producesantibodiescalledimmunoglobulinE (IgE) to attack the allergen. These antibodies travel to cells throughout the body, releasinghistamineand other chemicals that cause an allergic reaction.
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Is It Allergies or Something Else?
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a usually harmless allergen. When exposed to the allergen, the immune system tries to fight it off, similar to how it would do with a germ or virus.
While it is not well understood why allergies occur,genetics can play a role. Reactions to specific allergens, such as peanuts, are not passed down. However, parents with allergies are more likely to have kids with allergies.
Suddenly developing allergies as an adult is not unusual. Sometimes they can be traced to environmental change, but many emerge for unknown reasons. Existing allergies may also go away suddenly.
Do Allergies Cause Asthma in Kids?Children who suffer from allergies are at a greater risk of developingasthma. Allergies can worsen asthma symptoms in children with the condition. Managing allergy symptoms can play an important role in preventing asthma attacks.
Do Allergies Cause Asthma in Kids?
Children who suffer from allergies are at a greater risk of developingasthma. Allergies can worsen asthma symptoms in children with the condition. Managing allergy symptoms can play an important role in preventing asthma attacks.
Common allergens include:
Irritants vs. AllergensIrritants can cause symptoms resembling an allergic reaction, but they aren’t allergens. Everyday irritants include:Strong scents (e.g., perfumes, household cleaners, air fresheners, paint)Cold air temperaturesChanges in the weatherPollutants (e.g., diesel exhaust, smog)Smoke (e.g., cigarettes, wood smoke)
Irritants vs. Allergens
Irritants can cause symptoms resembling an allergic reaction, but they aren’t allergens. Everyday irritants include:Strong scents (e.g., perfumes, household cleaners, air fresheners, paint)Cold air temperaturesChanges in the weatherPollutants (e.g., diesel exhaust, smog)Smoke (e.g., cigarettes, wood smoke)
Irritants can cause symptoms resembling an allergic reaction, but they aren’t allergens. Everyday irritants include:
Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur during the spring, summer, or fall when trees, weeds, and grasses pollinate.
Mold spores can cause allergies in the spring, summer, and fall. They can cause allergies throughout the year for people who live in buildings with high moisture levels.
Symptoms of an allergic reactioncan vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
More severe symptoms that warrant a visit to a healthcare provider for treatment include:
How long allergy symptoms lastdepends on the type of allergy (e.g., food, skin, seasonal). But, overall, the factor that affects the duration of an allergic reaction is the length of time someone is exposed to the allergen.
For example, during pollen seasons (spring, summer, and fall) you may feel symptoms for as little as 6 weeks.If you have a new puppy and are allergic to pet dander, managing your symptoms may become part of your lifestyle.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxisis a severe, sudden life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the whole body.
Symptoms often occur within 30 minutes of exposure to the allergen. However, in some cases, symptoms can take more than an hour to develop.
Call 911 for any symptoms of anaphylaxis. These include:
If left untreated, the condition can result in death. Anaphylaxis is treated withepinephrine(adrenaline). Epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) contain a prescribed single dose of medication injected into the thigh.
During skin testing (a puncture or scratch test), a healthcare provider places a small amount of the allergen on the skin and then makes a slight prick or scratch. If the skin reacts, the person may have an allergy.
Intradermal testing is often used for allergies topenicillinand insect stings. It involves injecting a small amount of the allergen under the skin using a needle.
A specific IgE blood test measures the amount of IgE your body produces in response to a single allergen.
Medications and Other Treatment
The best way to manage an allergy is to reduce exposure or avoid the allergens completely. However, this is not always possible. Medications and treatments can help.
Prescription
A healthcare provider may recommendprescription medicationsif over-the-counter (OTC) medications do not relieve your allergies. These include:
Home Treatment
In many cases, allergies can be managed at home using the following treatments.
It’s important to avoid using tap water when flushing the nose. Tap water is not considered safe to use as a nasal rinse. It isn’t adequately treated or filtered and can contain bacteria and protozoa. Always use sterile or distilled water when using nasal irrigation devices.
Otherhome remedies for allergiesinclude:
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy exposes you to a small amount of the allergen over time, allowing your immune system to become desensitized or develop a tolerance to the allergen.
The two most common types of immunotherapy are allergy shots and sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy (SLIT).
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid exposure to the allergen. Depending on your allergy trigger, this may mean:
Summary
Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust, or mold. The precise cause is unknown but environment and genetics can be factors. Allergies may start and stop suddenly throughout life.
Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and rashes; anaphylaxis is also possible. Management includes OTC medications and at-home treatment, prescription medications, immunotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to avoid known allergens.
Diagnosis involves skin testing or a specific IgE blood test. Work closely with a healthcare provider or allergist to implement prevention and treatment strategies that work for you.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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