Overview
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance. They can range from mild seasonal sneezing to severe, life-threatening reactions.
Types of allergies
Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
Triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. Worse during spring and fall.
Food allergies
Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Reactions can range from hives to anaphylaxis.
Drug allergies
Reactions to medications, most commonly penicillin and aspirin. Symptoms vary from skin rash to severe reactions.
Contact allergies
Skin reactions from touching allergens like nickel, latex, or certain plants (poison ivy).
Self-care tips
- Identify and avoid triggers: keep an allergy diary
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters at home
- Shower after outdoor activities to remove pollen
- Keep windows closed during high pollen days
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect eyes
- Use saline nasal rinse for congestion relief
- Over-the-counter antihistamines for mild symptoms
When to seek care
Seek emergency care for signs of anaphylaxis: difficulty breathing, swelling of throat/tongue, rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. See an allergist if over-the-counter treatments aren't effective.
Understanding your allergies empowers you to manage them effectively and improve your quality of life.
Common questions
Can you develop allergies as an adult?
Yes. Adult-onset allergies are common. You can develop new allergies at any age, even to substances you've been exposed to before without issues.
What is the difference between a cold and allergies?
Allergies cause itchy eyes/nose and clear mucus without fever. Colds cause thicker mucus, body aches, and sometimes fever, and resolve in 7-10 days.
When should I see an allergist?
See an allergist if over-the-counter treatments aren't working, symptoms are severe or year-round, or you've had a serious allergic reaction.
Sources and further reading
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MySymptom gives general health information. It is not medical advice and can't tell you for sure what is causing your symptoms. If you are worried, contact a clinician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. How answers work