All about Allergies and Allergy Treatment

The start of the spring season for most of us means the blooming of spring flowers and lush green trees. However, for many people, it is the start of the pollen allergy season. Their allergic reaction to increased presence of pollen ranges causes coughs, sneezing and wheezing. According to reports, approximately 35 million people in the United States have pollen allergy.

What causes these allergic reactions? Why are some people allergic and some not allergic to the same substances? At exitallergy.com, we attempt to answer these questions and more on various types of allergies. Treatment options are also discussed.

Read on for an introductory guide to allergy, allergy symptoms and its treatment.

Allergy and Allergens

Our body has a self-defence mechanism called the immune system. The immune system works constantly to protect our bodies from harmful external substances such as viruses and parasites. A healthy glucose metabolism is to be maintained with right diet to enhance the potency of our body's immune system to resist against the infection causing agents.

Some external particles such as pollen, dust, certain kinds of food and pets do not evoke any reaction in most people.

However, in some people, the very same particles cause their immune system to give an allergic reaction. In people who are allergic to pollen or dust particles, the immune system considers these particles as harmful and launches a series of reactions such as sneezing and wheezing.

The external substances that cause an allergy response are called Allergens. Common allergens are pollen, dust particles, milk, chemical drugs and other food.

Allergens cause the production of excessive amount of a protein antibody known as immunoglobin E or IgE which ultimately causes the person to have allergy reactions every time he or she is exposed to the substance.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Some common symptoms of allergies include:

• Itchy or red eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing

Symptoms of pollen allergy or hay fever often resemble that of a common cold.

Testing for Allergy: How to Find the Allergy Cause

Medical professionals conduct two types of tests to detect the cause of allergy.

Allergy Skin Test - A small amount of the suspected allergen is brought into contact or injected in the skin. The reaction is then evaluated to detect allergic responses.

Allergy Blood Test- Detection of the protein antibody, immunoglobin E or IgE is done by allergy blood tests.

Allergy Treatment - Medication and Allergy Shots

The symptoms of allergies may be brought under control by medication. In the case of pollen allergy or hay fever, the medication has to be taken some days before the start of the spring or pollen season. Medication has to be continued throughout the time when there is risk of exposure. If stopped, allergic reaction may reappear.

An alternative to medication is immunotherapy or allergy shots. Allergy shots have a longer effect and can be taken periodically. Allergy shots are beneficial for those not wanting to continue prolonged medication. The development of allergic asthma may also be prevented.

Apart from treatment, prevention of allergy onset by avoiding exposure to known causes of allergies is important.