An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people.
Allergic reactions can be mild, like a runny nose, or they can be severe, like difficulty breathing. An asthma attack, for example, is often an allergic reaction to something that is breathed into the lungs in a person who is susceptible.
Allergy symptoms
Allergy symptoms vary, but may include:
&bullBreathing problems
&bullBurning, tearing, or itchy eyes
&bullCoughing
&bullDiarrhea
&bullHeadache
&bullHives
&bullItching of the nose, mouth, throat, skin, or any other area
Allergy Causes
You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don't cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. Your body's overreaction to the allergens is what causes symptoms (see the box below for a list of symptoms). For example, sometimes the term "hay fever" is used to describe your body's allergic reaction to seasonal allergens in the air, such as grass or pollen.
Eggs are one of the most common allergy-causing foods. Although egg allergy can affect adults, it's more common in children. Most children outgrow their egg allergy by the time they're 5 years old.
Allergies Types
Pollen is another major cause of allergies (most people know pollen allergy as hay fever or rose fever). Trees, weeds, and grasses release these tiny particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Pollen allergies are seasonal, and the type of pollen a child is allergic to determines when symptoms will occur.
Latex
A latex allergy develops after some sensitizing contact with latex. Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions. A component of the latex substance itself is an allergen for many people. The latex glove powder residue is an airborne allergen that causes upper airway allergic reactions in some people, as well as worsening asthma.
Cosmetics Allergy
Allergy Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults. Often called "pink eye," it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and helps keep the eyelid and eyeball moist.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:
Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
Increased amount of tears
Itchy eyes
Blurred vision
Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment
There are also many topical antihistamines that are available for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis which also help to reduce redness in the eyes but as well swelling and itching. There are topical steroids which are often recommended and which must be used with careful consideration because otherwise they can be potentially dangerous.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment - Other Options
Since avoidance, the optimal allergic conjunctivitis treatment, is generally not feasible, other solutions must be considered. Many healthcare providers suggest the use of cold compresses or artificial tears as temporary allergic conjunctivitis treatments to wash away allergens from the surface of the eye. As noted, however, this is only a temporary solution that provides short-term relief.
