allergy

Allergies! In short it means that there's a reaction to substances that usually are not harmful to most humans. It has something to do with a immune response. For most people who have allergies this can be anywhere from being embarrassed by an untimely sneeze or upsetting by having your nose run at the worse possible time. Like trying to give a speech in front of hundreds of people or interviewing for that chef's job you always dreamed about. Allergy symptoms can range from a slight twitch of the nose to a full blown coughing and sneezing attack. Allergies can be seasonal. In the summer months hay fever is a very common allergy. But allergies can occur at anytime of the year. Many of the causes are mold, dander, dust, drugs (most common penicillin), food along with a few insect bites or stings. Allergy symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, coughing, scratchy throat, rashes, swelling of the eyelids, dark circles, and patchy skin. Today's allergy testing is done by having your local allergist inject a needle with a small amount of fluid that contains a substance that a person could be allergic to under the first layer of skin. The patient then is marked where the injection takes place on the body. It can be on the arms or on the back. Notes are logged to tract the effect of the injection. The patient waits for a short period time and comes back to the allergist to have his testing of the skin read to receive a grade. There is a rating system in place to categorize each injection. If the reaction is very minor he/she will receive a grade of a one and up to a five rating for a more severe reaction. Allergies can be treated with allergy shots, prescription drugs or over the counter medications. Some nasal sprays seem to be affective along with things you can do at home to help prevent allergies. One very common idea is to have a mattress cover along with a pillow encased in plastic. A cure for allergies today is in prevention. It can range from not owning a pet to not being around cigarette smoke or some one who where's cologne or perfume. In today's fast pace world being educated in prevention can make one's life a little easier to cope with than not knowing.