Understanding allergies

Sneezing is a common symptom of colds, flu, and allergies. But what's happening when we sneeze?

Allergies result when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that is actually harmless. The harmless substance, which is referred to as an allergen, could be anything from the pollen of a specific tree to a particular ingredient in a medication. It could be a puppy's dander or a food, such as peanuts.

To someone with allergies, the tiniest thing can cause the biggest trouble. A seemingly harmless bit of dust, a strand of fluffy cat dander, or a puff of pollen floating in the air can lead to allergy symptoms. Ever wonder why the human body reacts the way it does? Why do we sneeze? Why do our noses run and our eyes tear up? Basically, an allergy is the body's over-eager reaction to a misinterpreted threat.

Genetic tendencies play a role since allergies tend to run in families. You might not be allergic to the exact same things as them, but if one or both of your parents have had seasonal or year-round allergies, you're likely to as well. That said, anyone can develop allergies at any age, though a person will usually develop allergies during childhood or early adulthood.

Allergy symptoms may include the following: sneezing runny nose itchy throat, nose, roof of the mouth itchy, watery or red eyes congestion Although allergies and colds have similar symptoms, there are some telltale signs that can help you differentiate between them. If you aren't sure whether you have allergies or just a cold, ask your health professional.

Anaphylaxis is a rare but severe allergic reaction that can occur after exposure to an allergy-causing substance. If you have a history of allergies or a family history of anaphylactic reactions, you may be at higher risk. Causes of anaphylaxis include certain medications, latex, insect bites and stings, and foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and dairy products.