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AllergiesAllergies

Allergies and seasonal allergic rhinitis are characterized by a variety of symptoms that mainly involve the mucus membranes of the nose (nasal allergies), sinuses, and eyes. Allergic rhinitis refers to a nasal allergy, or the inflammation of the mucus membranes of the nose and sinuses. Exposure to inhaled allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen from certain seasonal plants can cause allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergy symptoms in people who are hypersensitive to such triggers. These symptoms can also be triggered by household allergens such as pet dander and house dust mites.

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The Allergies Condition Guide will help you better understand allergies and their symptoms. Allergies affect many people. Often, symptoms are seasonal; allergic rhinitis may occur during the spring, summer, or fall. A person with these types of allergies is most likely sensitive to certain particles carried in the air. Airborne allergens can include pollens produced by trees and from plants in bloom. When the allergens enter the body, they can cause the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies: sneezing and runny nose, as well as itchy, watery eyes. Windy, hot, dry days are more likely to cause seasonal allergy symptoms because there are large amounts of pollen floating in the air. Seasonal allergy symptoms may lessen on a damp, rainy day, when much of the pollen is washed to the ground.

Some individuals have allergies that are year round, so-called perennial allergies. These are most often caused by indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites, or mold. Whether seasonal, perennial, or both, allergy symptoms can include runny nose, sinus congestion, itching of the eyes, and itching of the roof of the mouth or back of the throat. Headache, coughing, wheezing, loss of appetite, and other symptoms may also result from allergies.

Another type of allergy is a food allergy; food allergies are most commonly triggered by eating certain nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soybeans. While food allergies can cause symptoms similar to those of seasonal allergies, more importantly, they can cause severe total body reactions that can be life-threatening. Skin allergies, called contact dermatitis, can also result from any allergen that comes in contact with the skin, such as jewelry, cosmetics, soaps and lotions.

The information provided in the Allergies & Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Condition Guide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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News
Some Allergy Tests Give Late Results
Reuters Health - September 04, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Reading patch tests for allergies beyond the customary 5 days may identify certain allergies missed by an earlier reading, according to a new report....

Guide Helps Doctors Manage Vaccine Allergies
Reuters Health - September 02, 2008
CHICAGO (Reuters) - With careful monitoring, even children who have had allergic reactions to a vaccine can still be vaccinated, a U.S. team of experts said on Tuesday....

Under-tongue Therapy May Ease Bee-sting Allergy
Reuters Health - August 28, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For people who are strongly allergic to bee venom, desensitization using sublingual (i.e., under-the-tongue) immunotherapy may be a safer than injection immunotherapy, according to a proof-of-concept clinical trial conducted in Italy....


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