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Allergies Overview
Home » Diseases » Allergies » Allergies OverviewYour have a runny nose, your eyes are itching, you are covered in hives and can’t stop sneezing. These symptoms alert you that your allergies are back. It is estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergies. Allergy is the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S. and the third most common chronic disease among children who are under the age of 18.
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to things that are normally harmless to most people. If you are allergic to something, your immune system believes this substance is harmful to your body. This reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, hives, rashes, lower blood pressure, difficult breathing, asthma, and can sometimes result in death.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. Difficulty breathing and swallowing; swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat; and dizziness or loss of consciousness are all symptoms of anaphylaxis. This reaction will generally occur only minutes after a person is exposed to a substance to which they are allergic. Peanuts are a good example of a substance that can cause an anaphylaxis reaction. Immediate medical attention is required for someone having an anaphylaxis reaction.
There is no cure for allergies but they can be managed by following proper prevention and treatment routines.
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