Allergies occur when the body reacts to a substance that is usually harmless (like dust, pollen, or medications). 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 allergy symptoms, such as allergic shiners and anaphylactic shock, are also discussed.
An allergy diagnosis is usually made through skin tests or a blood test. This eMedTV article describes the process of making an allergy diagnosis, including how allergy tests show whether the person has IgE antibodies to the specific allergen.
This section of the eMedTV archives explores various approaches to allergy relief, including medications, allergy shots, and the avoidance of pollen and other allergens. Of these options, only allergy shots offer potential long-term allergy relief.
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) as an allergy medicine.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are given in increasing doses on a set schedule for 3 to 5 year. This eMedTV resource describes the allergies that allergy shots are most effective in treating, as well as the potential risks of allergy shots.
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.
Allergy research scientists are studying new methods of treating allergic diseases. As this eMedTV article explains, it is hoped that allergy research will yield a better understanding the allergic process -- possibly preventing allergies someday.
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.
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