1 of 4 / Overview
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What Is an Allergy?
This article explains the basics of an allergic reaction. Learn what happens when your immune system goes on high alert.
Who Gets Allergies?
Anyone can get them, at any age. You could develop them as a child, or you might not have any symptoms until you’re an adult.
What Causes an Allergic Reaction?
While your problem may seem to start in the nose or the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune system run wild.
Allergies and Asthma
Worsening of asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergies, which can temporarily increase the inflammation of the airways.
2 of 4 / Symptoms & Types
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Spring Allergies
There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits.
Summer Allergies
Summer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds.
Fall Allergies
Ragweed, mold, and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall.
Winter Allergies
With indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside.
3 of 4 / Tests & Diagnosis
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Finding the Cause of Allergies
An allergist may be able to help identify your allergy triggers. Several different types of allergy tests are used to do this.
When to See an Allergist
If you think you have allergies, think about seeing a doctor who can tell you whether you do or not.
Allergy Skin Test
Skin testing is one way your doctor can check on what causes your allergy symptoms.
Blood Test for Allergies
Allergy blood tests detect and measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood.
4 of 4 / Treatment
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Types of Allergy Drugs
Learn all about the different over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can help ease annoying symptoms.
What Are Antihistamines?
When medicine is needed to stem allergy symptoms, antihistamines are often first in line.
How Decongestants Work
When allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally won't help. But a decongestant might.
Nasal Sprays for Allergies
When allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills.
Suggested Reads about Allergies
Can a Toothpaste Help Protect Adults Allergic to Peanuts?
In an early trial phase, all the people in a study tolerated even the highest dose of peanut protein in a toothpaste designed to desensitize allergic patients
First Nasal Spray Alternative to EpiPen Needs More Study: FDA
The FDA has requested further study before approving a nasal spray version of the allergic reaction medicine epinephrine.
Cases of Meat Allergy Linked to Tick Bites on the Rise: CDC
The CDC is calling for more health care providers to become educated about alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy caused by tick bites that may have affected up to 450,000 people in the United States.
Food Allergies Affect People of Color More than White People
A new study found that people of color have more food allergies than white people and that lower-income people are also more affected by food allergies.
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