What is an allergy ?

An allergy is a result of your immune system reactions to things that does not trouble most other people. People who have allergies habitually are very sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain

· Foods - most allergy specialists agree that the foods that people are most commonly allergic to are milk and other dairy products, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts, and seafood.

· Dust mites - environmental particles can cause allergies in people are dust mites, tiny bugs that live in house dust; mold spores; animal dander (flakes of scaly, dried skin, and dried saliva from your pets).

· Plant pollen - pollen from grass, ragweed, and trees

· Medicines - antibiotics — medications used to treat infections — are the most common types of medicines that cause allergic reactions.

· Chemicals - some cosmetics or laundry detergents can cause people to break out in an itchy rash. As a rule, this is because the person has a reaction to the chemicals in these products. Dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides used on lawns or plants can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

How do you get allergies?

Scientists think both genes and the environment have something to do with it. In general, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, though, it is responding to a false alarm. A person habitually doesn't inherit a particular allergy, just the likelihood of having allergies.

Allergies can cause:

· a runny nose

· sneezing

· itching

· rashes

· swelling

· Asthma

Symptoms vary. Though allergies can make you feel bad, they usually won't kill you. However, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis is life-threatening.

How do you treat allergies?

The allergist will also perform tests to confirm an allergy — these will depend on the type of allergy a person has and may include a skin test or blood test.

The way to avoid allergic reactions is called avoidance. It is better to stay away from the substances that cause allergic reactions.

For example, people who are allergic to peanuts should avoid not only peanuts, but also any food that might contain even tiny traces of them.

Here are some things that can help you avoid airborne allergens:

• Keep family pets out of certain rooms, like your bedroom, and bathe them if necessary.
• Remove carpets or rugs from your room.
• Don't hang heavy drapes, and get rid of other items that allow dust to accumulate.
• Clean frequently.
• Use special covers to seal pillows and mattresses if you're allergic to dust mites.
• If you're allergic to pollen, keep windows closed when pollen season's at its peak, change your clothing after being outdoors — and don't mow lawns.
• Avoid damp areas, such as basements, if you're allergic to mold, and keep bathrooms and other mold-prone areas clean and dry.

Doctors can also treat some allergies using medications.

Medications such as pills or nasal sprays are often used to treat allergies. The medications can control the allergy symptoms such as sneezing, headaches or a stuffy nose. They are not a cure and can't make the tendency to have allergic reactions go away. Many effective medications are available to treat common allergies, and your doctor can help you to identify those that work for you.