Understanding Allergies
Types and causes of allergies
Your body protects you from things that may make you sick like bacteria and viruses. But if you have allergies, this defense system works overtime. It protects you from things that don't bother most people. These things are called allergens or allergy triggers. That's what happens with allergies.
When you breathe in one of your allergens, your nose releases substances to help push the allergen out. This affects the lining of your nose. It can make your nose stuffy, itchy, or runny. It also can cause you to sneeze. Your eyes may become itchy, red, or watery.
What are the types of allergies?
- If you have seasonal allergies (or "hay fever"), your symptoms may occur or get worse during certain seasons. Doctors call this condition seasonal allergic rhinitis. Common triggers include grass, tree, and weed pollens.
- If you have year-round allergies, your symptoms may be triggered by indoor allergens. These may include dust mites (bugs so small that you can't see them), mold, cockroaches, or animal dander. Doctors call this condition year-round allergic rhinitis.
How do I know if I have allergies?
Your doctor may suspect that you have allergies based on:- Your symptoms and when you have them
- If you or your family members have a history of allergies
- In skin tests, also called prick or puncture tests, a doctor injects small amounts of allergen under your skin. Then, your doctor waits to see if you have a temporary skin reaction to the substance (like a bump where you had the shot).
- A blood test is another way of looking for an allergy to a substance.