An allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to a substance that is usually harmless. This eMedTV article discusses the different types of allergies, their potential causes and symptoms, and the available treatment options.
This portion of the eMedTV library describes common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and a runny or stuffy nose. Other signs and symptoms, such as allergic shiners and anaphylactic shock, are also discussed.
Skin tests or a blood test are used to determine if a person has allergies. This eMedTV article describes the process of making an allergy diagnosis, including how these tests show whether the person has IgE antibodies to the specific allergen.
This eMedTV page discusses allergy treatment options, including medications, immunotherapy, and avoiding the substances you are allergic to. While some allergy medicines are available over-the-counter, others require a prescription.
This eMedTV segment outlines the main classes of allergy medicine: antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, and combination drugs. The article also discusses the use of cromolyn sodium (an over-the-counter spray) to relieve allergy symptoms.
If you are allergic to pollen, pets, or certain other allergens, allergy shots may be an option for you. This eMedTV resource describes the typical schedule for these shots and discusses the benefits and risks of this type of allergy treatment.
The FDA has approved standardized allergy extracts for allergens related to bees, dust mites, cats, and short ragweed. This eMedTV article also describes other allergy extracts in the process of being standardized, like 8 grass and pollen extracts.
Tips for preventing allergies depend on the cause of the person's allergies (e.g., food, animals, pollen, dust mites). This eMedTV Web page gives detailed recommendations for preventing allergies or minimizing the symptoms they may cause.
Scientists are studying new methods of treating allergic diseases. As this eMedTV article explains, it is hoped that such allergy research will yield a better understanding of the allergic process and lead to the prevention of allergies altogether.
Allergy statistics, like the fact that up to 16% of the U.S. population suffers from hay fever, can help promote more allergy research. This eMedTV article offers several allergy statistics about allergy prevalence and related healthcare costs.
When weighing allergies vs cold symptoms, keep in mind that cold symptoms often last a week or less; allergy symptoms last much longer. This eMedTV article provides easy-to-understand charts to help you compare allergies vs cold symptoms.
