Allergies

Food allergies affect nearly 11 million people in the United States and cause a variety of symptoms, many of which are similar to those caused by seasonal allergies. But abdominal pain, nausea,...

Nickel allergy occurs when the body comes into contact with a nickel allergen, causing histamine releases that lead to inflammation and result in skin irritation such as hives, blisters and rashes.

Histamine is a chemical in the body that is released when the body is exposed to an allergen. Allergens may include airborne allergens (such as pollen and dust mites), certain foods (such as...

When people experience an allergic reaction to chocolate, the culprit is rarely the chocolate or cocoa itself. The reaction is most likely triggered by another allergen or ingredient present in...

Allergies affect children in many ways, ranging from itchy skin to a runny nose. They often feel uncomfortable and sick instead of full of energy and ready to play and have fun. Allergy injections...

Different people have various different signs of allergies. Depending on the type of allergy, whether it is a food allergy or an airborne allergen can drastically change the symptoms shown. ...

Allergies are the immune system's way of reacting to a foreign substance, like a mosquito bite, certain foods, pollen or pet dander. Asthma involves difficulty breathing triggered by an allergen.

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can desensitize you against allergies of many types. When you get allergy shots, a small amount of the offending allergen is injected into your body....

Your immune system produces antibodies to defend your body against the invaders, such as bacteria, that may make you sick. An allergy develops when your immune system overreacts to something...

Many people are allergic to something in their environment, whether it's pollen, pets or food. Symptoms associated with allergies may range from a mild irritation to a life-endangering situation...

If you get a runny nose and watery eyes a few times a year, you may have allergies. You might notice that your symptoms occur when the pollen count is high, or you may find that your nose itches...

Both children and adults can suffer from food allergies. Some of the more common food allergies include wheat, yeast, milk, soy, corn and eggs. According to Kidshealth.org, a resource for parents...

As of November 2009, scientists have not yet discovered a treatment for tree nut allergies. People with these allergies should take every precaution to avoid these foods, which may cause a...

Allergies are prevalent in our society. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that 54.6 percent of Americans have at least one allergy revealed through allergy testing....

There are many causes of a runny nose (rhinorrhea). They range from sinusitis and influenza to the simple common cold and usually result in a buildup of excess mucus and fluids to "run" from your...

Allergy shots are used to treat respiratory allergies such as mold spores and dust mites. They work by exposing the body to small amounts of allergen over time so that the immune system builds up...

Pet dander is the dry, microscopic flakes of skin that shed from animals when the epidermal layer renews itself, typically every 21 days or every three to four days in pets with skin conditions...

Fall allergies cause reactions due to seasonal triggers that cause histamine distress within the body. Allergy testing can be performed to diagnose the allergen source.

An allergy to corn is typically diagnosed in predisposed children and adults with existing allergies to other foods, such as wheat, soy, eggs, shellfish and peanuts. A corn allergy causes symptoms...

Certain substances and triggers within the environment are involuntarily inhaled through the eyes, nose and mouth, causing persistent symptoms of congestion, migraines, wheezing and coughing upon...

An allergy is the immune system's method of reacting to an outside substance, perceived as a threat. The body can be allergic to any number of substances, including pollen, dander, plants and food.

Allergies can make life miserable for the sufferer, who may experience congestion, respiratory problems, rashes and swelling. In some cases, allergies can be deadly if the individual experiences...

Different allergy terminologies are used to describe medical predispositions, conditions, reactions and treatments pertaining to individuals with a lower respiratory immune system disease commonly...

Research shows that allergies are on the rise. For instance, the number of people in the U.S. with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) increased by 31 percent between 1985 and 1995 and rose by another...

There are no known cat allergy "cures." There are, however, highly effective treatments that can suppress the symptoms. Medication can be used to control symptoms, and immunotherapy can eliminate...

Introducing new foods can be a trying and time-consuming task for all parents and care-givers of children learning to experiment with new tastes. However, as important as it is to try and try...

Corn is not considered one of the "big eight" allergens--eggs, milk, soy, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, wheat--but the incidence of corn allergy is increasing. This may be a result of...

Do you have pollen allergies?? Are you tired, sneezing all the time, & have itchy and watery eyes?? This year has been one of the worst years for pollen allergies in our family. They have been...

An allergen-elimination diet is one of the best ways to determine your food allergies. Skin and blood tests can cause inconclusive results as well as being quite costly. Food allergies can cause a...

Pets offer companionship and fun to children of all ages. They teach children responsibility and respect and are often times considered part of the family. However, more than 100 million pets are...

Allergies directly affect the immune system and cause symptoms that are similar to those of influenza. Respiratory allergies are typically caused by pollen, germs, and other environmental factors...

Anaphylactic shock occurs when an individual is exposed to something that their immune system perceives as an allergen. It is the severest form of an allergic reaction. This condition can be...

When your body's immune system senses an allergen or a foreign tissue, part of its response is to produce histamine. Histamine brings blood and lymph fluid to the area that is under "attack" by an...

Allergy therapy, also known as immunotherapy, offers specialized treatments for chronic and seasonal allergies. Weekly or monthly injections desensitize the immune system, thereby increasing...

Histamine is a protein released by the body when the body is exposed to an allergen, which is typically a harmless substance that it perceives as harmful. First, the body produces the IgE...

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies. Depending on how severe the allergy is, an allergy can...

Garlic is known for its pungent smell and hearty taste, but many don't realize that the culinary treat can help relieve seasonal allergies. While few can deny that the odor emanated from a clove...

If the immune system doesn't respond correctly to a foreign substance an allergy may occur. There are many different kinds of allergies that cause a variety of symptoms. A constant immune response...

Oral allergy is a type of syndrome that produces symptoms when a person eats a food that produces an allergic reaction. The condition occurs when the body's immune system has the inability to...

Allergy shots are a long term treatment for those seeking relief from their allergy symptoms. Those considering allergy shots should talk to their doctor to see if they are a good candidate for...

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than 50 percent of the United States population deals with allergies on a regular basis. One of the factors that makes...

Rhinitis is a standard term used for hay fever. With many people, this common allergic response to a given allergen is seasonal, finding its peak during spring, summer or fall. But for others,...

Allergies are symptoms that result from your body's immune system response to a particular substance. Common items that cause a person to experience allergy symptoms are pollen, dust, mold, insect...

Allergies effect large cross sections of the population throughout the world. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 12.2 million Americans seek physician services in...

Are you constantly sneezing or sniffling, or do you suffer from other chronic respiratory issues? Are bug bites causing your skin to swell? Do certain foods always give you gastrointestinal upset?...

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening condition that occurs in people with hypersensitivity to certain allergens. Anaphylaxis is triggered by exposure to an allergen such as food, an insect...

Many people suffer from allergies on a daily basis, and many of the allergens come from sources inside their homes. It may not be possible to make a home 100 percent allergy-free, but there are...

Molds are small fungi that release microscopic spores into the air, which you then inhale into your lungs when you breathe. In some people, the body's immune system overreacts when it comes into...

When pollen, pet dander, perfumes or other environmental irritants are inhaled, it's common to develop allergic rhinitis--also known as "hay fever" or "pollinosis." Depending on the allergen,...

Allergies are common. Most symptoms of an allergic reaction are minor and more of an annoyance. Symptoms can worsen with repeated exposure or come on suddenly making the allergy life threatening....