Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, Risks and Treatments

By EmpowHER

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Most people have at least one type of allergy, commonly pollen or a specific food allergy.

Allergies are a result of the immune system over-responding to a substance that in general is not a threat to the body. The immune system releases histamine to ward off an allergen that is perceived as harmful, thus creating an allergic reaction.

Symptoms include runny nose, itching, swelling, rashes and more serious symptoms like muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea and hives. The ability to develop allergies is passed on from parents, but not always a specific allergy.

Some allergies can be life threatening and can be treated right away with epinephrine. Find out what you’re allergic to and avoid it to the best of your ability.

You can treat symptoms by taking antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, allergy shots and other types of medication.