Six Types of Allergies: You didn't Know

Dec 12th, 2008 by Swapna.P
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Allergy is a disorder of the immune system and it is occurred by the environmental conditions. There are six main different types of allergies, see here what they are.

Skin allergies

This type of allergy can trigger by many different sources. The sources include foods, stress, drugs, pollen, and insect stings. The allergic reaction shows up on your skin with hives, redness, a rash, swellings, or itchiness. Skin allergies can be quite difficult to get rid of.

Food allergies

These allergens come from food. Most people react to a common list of foods. They include shellfish, cow’s milk, soy, peanuts, wheat, and berries. You can get minor symptoms of intolerance such as diarrhea and bloating, or an allergic reaction as severe as death.

Respiratory allergies

Most people think of allergies as respiratory allergies. These can be triggered and caused by many different allergens, including dust, mold, mildew, pollen, and more. The most common symptoms of a respiratory allergy are sneezing, coughing, runny nose, dry and itchy throat, and watery eyes. Seasonal respiratory allergies can also exist due to changes in pollen count and weather.

Drug allergies

The most common drug allergies include allergies to penicillin, codeine, and sulfa drugs. Allergy symptoms include hives, digestive problems, or a rash. In the most severe of drug allergies, anaphylactic shock can occur and this can be fatal. That is why it is so important that you report if you have any drug allergies to your physician and your pharmacist at the start of a medical appointment.

Insect sting allergies

This type of allergy occurs when an insect such as a bee, fire ant, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket stings you and releases the poison into your body. Insect sting allergies can cause pain, itching and swelling at the site of the insect sting instantly. In the most severe cases, an anaphylactic reaction can also develop. Medical attention would be required immediately.

Asthma

Allergy-induced asthma cases are on the rise not just in the United States but around the world. The sources for this are much the same as respiratory allergies, but the allergic response causes the air passages to become inflamed, which can cause wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

By knowing these various types of allergies you will be avoid some extent.  It is also important that you educate your family and friends so that they know what to do once they observe an allergy reaction in you.

Swapna.P

Written by Swapna.P

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Comments

Goodselfme, over a year ago
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allergies are a real problem for some people. I am fortunate, I am only allergic to one thing from childhood. Thank you for this great post.

Darlene, over a year ago
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Another excellent article.  Many people have allergies and aren’t even aware of it.

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