Millions of people have allergies and are at risk of developing a reaction so severe it could end up killing them if they don’t receive immediate medical attention. Some of the common allergic substances are certain foods, medication, latex, and insect stings or bites containing venom (poison).

Some common allergy symptoms are hives, swelling, itching, sudden abdominal distress, confusion, dizziness, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and asthma. If asthma is present as an allergic reaction, there is an increased risk of having an anaphylactic reaction. Most commonly, anaphylaxis happens to people who have food allergies, and asthma, although you can have no known allergies and still have an attack.

If you have ever experienced any combination of two or more allergic symptoms at one time, you may have had an allergy-induced anaphylaxis reaction. Telling your doctor about any allergic reactions or sensitivities you may suspect you have is important, and it may end up saving your life.

There is an anaphylaxis treatment that can buy the time needed between the beginning of an attack and receiving medical help. The Allergy EpiPen is available by prescription, and comes with two doses of the medication epinephrine, which is self administered by injection. Epinephrine is the most commonly used medication to treat severe allergy symptoms. The Allergy EpiPen comes with easy to follow instructions, and it is often the preferred medication to have on hand in case of an anaphylaxis reaction.

Educating yourself and the people you spend time with about the symptoms of anaphylaxis, when and how to treat it and the importance of immediate action as well as getting medical attention as quickly as possible may end up saving your life. Having an Allergy EpiPen in your possession all the time will give you the assurance you need that help is right there if it’s needed.

Sometimes our bodies decide that they just don’t like something. When this happens, they let us know in a variety of ways. When we come into contact with an irritating substance, our bodies sometimes complain by itching, sneezing, coughing, and breaking out in rash. This lovely collection of symptoms is called ‘allergies’. The above-mentioned symptoms aren’t the only signs of allergies. Sufferers frequently experience irritated, watery eyes and runny noses. Others, particularly children, might get dark circles under their eyes.

Think you might have allergies? If you do, you’re not alone. Over 50 million people suffer from allergies in the U.S. alone. With so many symptomatic individuals running around, it’s no surprise that a number of treatments have sprung up.

If your allergies are persistent, talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter medications. They’ll be able to recommend the best drug for you. Popular anti-allergy medications include nasal sprays and antihistamines. Nasal sprays, such as Flonase and Nasonex, contain mild corticosteroids to fight inflammation. Antihistamines fight the body’s production of reactionary chemicals called histamines. Histamines cause allergy symptoms. An antihistamine, like Claritin or Benadryl, can be used in place of or in addition to nasal sprays. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, so be sure to consult with your doctor to see which one is right for you.

Would you rather avoid drugs and treat your allergies the natural way? Natural treatments are great for mild to moderate allergies. Here are a few ways that you can cut down on your exposure to allergens each day.

First, educate yourself about allergies. If you have food allergies, make sure that you know how to read food labels and decipher their information. Improve the air quality in your home or office with a dehumidifier or air filtration system. Avoid prolonged trips outside and close doors and windows during high pollen days and in the mornings. Don’t keep pets that trigger allergies. Many allergy sufferers find it helpful to wash all their sleeping linens thoroughly each week.

Allergies tend to be hereditary. But before you blame Mom and Dad for your sniffles, take a look at the things you encounter every day that trigger your allergies. Do you have dust and mold around your house? Do you come into contact with animals that make you allergic? There are many factors that you can eliminate from your daily life to reduce your allergy symptoms. Take the necessary steps to ensure that you’ll enjoy an allergy-free existence - no matter the season!

The many symptoms associated with allergies are as numerous as the types of allergic reactions themselves, but some are actually common. In order to receive proper treatment, one must identify the allergic reaction.

Some airborne allergens, such as mold spores or pollen, tend to produce the symptoms below:

Conjunctivitis is a fairly common condition that accompanies several different allergies. It manifests itself as swelling and redness of the conjunctiva (membrane around the eyelid). This usually leads watery, itchy eyes. And of course, scratching only worsens the condition.

Allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the nasal passages, is another familiar symptom to allergy sufferers. It is characterized by swelling of the mucous membranes, often accompanied by a nasal discharge. In short, a runny nose. But more than just leaking thick fluid, the swelling can lead to tenderness and pain. Congestion and difficulty breathing can also occur.

It’s similar to having a cold; only the symptom persists for much longer than a few days. The underlying cause is also fundamentally different. A cold is produced by a virus. Here, the symptom is an immune system reaction to an allergen; often dust mite waste, animal dander or pollen.

Excess sneezing is both a separate symptom and often a result of allergic rhinitis. It, in turn, tends to produce and reinforce other symptoms. Histamines are released by a sneeze. They lead to the production of watery eyes and further runny nose. If the sneezing persists, an ache in the lungs and facial pain can result. In extreme cases, back pain can result from the mechanical action of the sneeze.

One or more result of all these can be sleeplessness and subsequent fatigue. Congestion, runny nose and general discomfort can make it hard to relax enough to fall asleep. Lack of rest leads to fatigue.

Wheeziness is a result of mild asthma, itself an allergic reaction. That is a consequence of the bronchial sacs becoming filled with fluid, similar to the way nasal membranes can. The inflammation makes tissues less efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen, which results in shortness of breath. Thus, an allergy sufferer can see a cascade of interlocking symptoms.

Other symptoms are more common with food allergies.

A skin rash, itching, hives (red welts) or eczema is often experienced by those sensitive to peanuts, shellfish and other foods. The lips or tongue may swell. Abdominal pain or diarrhea are typical. Even dizziness or fainting is far from unknown.

All allergic symptoms are essentially an immune system overreaction to an allergen, usually in the environment. Though, there are genetic factors that predispose a person to allergies. Merely having one or more of the symptoms described above doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of an allergy. But, when they persist for more than two weeks, it’s appropriate to seek a professional diagnosis

Allergy attacks when you least expect it. Imagine having a very important interview and you cant answer properly because of the sneezing and wheezing. Isn’t it too uncomfortable? If you have already been subjected to allergy testing and know your particular allergies, you should be extra careful because allergy can attack in the most mysterious ways.

There are various allergens all around us. It pays off to be careful and prepared. Other than carefulness and preparation, knowledge is essential. Here are some facts about allergy that will help you prepare for the unexpected allergy attack:

Stuffed toys are usually not the culprit for allergy. A lot of people throw their stuffed toys thinking that the only allergen is the kapok used to stuff the toys. Unsuspectingly, the allergen can just be the dust mites. So washing can save the stuffed toys from being put into trash.

Some people are surprised to have allergic reactions even if their allergen is nowhere to be seen. For instance, some people are allergic to pet dander so they don’t have any pet at home but still they get the allergic reaction. Pet dander can be left on clothes and other things. For instance, a person with pet can have dander on his clothes and he can transfer it wherever he sits or lie down. So don’t be surprised if you get sudden allergic reaction even if you don’t have a pet or you have visited a place with no pet at all.

Always be ready with anti-allergy remedies. You never know when allergy will hit you. Even in your least expected moment, you may encounter an invisible allergen that will trigger allergic reaction on your part.

Be tested for allergies. Have yourself subjected to allergy testing. Through allergy testing, you will be able to particularly identify which type of allergens affect you. As much as possible, do everything you can to avoid these allergens. Know what you have to do to relieve the allergic reactions because as mentioned above, allergies attack when you least expect it. Know first aid treatment for your allergy. This way, you will not panic if ever that sudden allergy attacks.

Allergens are basically everywhere. Sometimes even if you avoid it, they find you instead. It is best to be ready at all times. Knowledge and readiness are the keys to successfully deal with sudden allergy attacks.

Household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions to animals. Many people think that pet allergy is provoked by the fur of cats and dogs. But researchers have found that the major allergens are proteins secreted by oil glands in the animals’ skin and shed in dander as well as proteins in the saliva, which sticks to the fur when the animal licks itself. Urine is also a source of allergy-causing proteins. When the substance carrying the proteins dries, the proteins can then float into the air. Cats may be more likely than dogs to cause allergic reactions because they lick themselves more and may be held more and spend more time in the house, close to humans.

Some rodents, such as guinea pigs and gerbils, have become increasingly popular as household pets. They, too, can cause allergic reactions in some people, as can mice and rats. Urine is the major source of allergens from these animals.

Allergies to animals can take two years or more to develop and may not subside until six months or more after ending contact with the animal. Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for four to six weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in household air for months after the animal has been removed. Therefore, it is wise for people with an animal allergy to check with the landlord or previous owner to find out if furry pets had lived previously on the premises