What is an allergy?

An allergy is a super-sensitivity to allergy triggers called allergens. Common airborne allergens include pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, molds, animal dander, dust and dust mites.

Allergies can have a big impact on your daily activities. You may be constantly fatigued, irritable, or just not feeling well. People with allergies often have difficulty concentrating, which can affect performance and even lead to absence from work or school. Many allergy sufferers have to give away pets, avoid foods they enjoy or curtail their outdoor activities. Allergic rhinitis or “hay fever” is one of the most common types of allergy. Typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy throat and headaches.

Other types of allergic reactions include asthma, eczema and hives.

Skin rashes and hives may appear as a result of something you touch, eat or drink. In the case of a severe reaction, symptoms may be accompanied by an upset stomach, cramps, difficulty breathing or swallowing, nausea or other allergic symtoms.