Do you think you've figured out what's causing your allergies?
Many types of allergies have various effects on different people, therefore it's crucial to seek professional advice. With our allergy quiz, you can learn about the symptoms, test your knowledge, and find out what steps you can take to prevent symptoms from slowing you down.
What's Causing My Allergies?
Your genetic makeup determines whether you have allergies. Your genetics influence how your immune system makes antibodies and protects you from hazardous toxins. Allergies develop when your immune system misidentifies an innocuous substance as a potentially hazardous one and attempts to protect your body against it. An allergen is an innocuous chemical that triggers your allergies.
Common Allergies of Today
Food allergies can develop after consuming a certain food. Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish are some of the most prevalent food allergies.
Insect allergies can be brought on by biting, stinging, or even non-biting insects. Cockroaches and dust mites are two prevalent bug allergies.
Pollen, dust, pet dander, mold, and fungal spores are just a few examples of inhalants that can induce allergies.
Contact allergies frequently result in rashes on the skin. Latex, plants, soap, cosmetics, and jewelry are all common substances.
While most pharmaceuticals generate non-allergic or unpleasant effects, allergic reactions can nonetheless occur.
This is a term used to describe a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs suddenly. Anaphylaxis can produce an itchy rash, throat swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, tongue swelling, and low blood pressure, among other symptoms.
What can Allergies Cause?
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Swollen and/or Sore Throat
- A General Tired Feeling
- Reddened Skin
- Itchiness
- Mucous Membrane Irritation
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Watery Eyes
- Increased Heart Rate
- Vomiting
No two people react the same to allergens but there are common reactions that occur. Common reactions include:
Allergic Rhinitis
This is a result of the immune system’s overresponse to certain particles, including:
- Plant Pollen
- Molds
- Dust Mites
- Animal Hair
- Chemicals
- And More
There are three main types of rhinitis one should know about:
Seasonal
In the spring, it’s more common for trees to be releasing more pollen than normal. In the spring and summer, the spread of ragweed is more dominant. In the fall, downed trees can create mold spores which cause allergies to flare up.
Perennial
This can last all year and is caused by things like pet hair, upholstery, household mold, and even houseplants.
Non-Allergic
As indicated, this is a reaction that is not caused by any allergens. Instead, it is caused by environmental factors such as pollutants, cigarette smoke, alcohol, cold temperatures, etc.
How to Get Rid of Allergies
Before managing your allergies, it’s important to understand the full scope of your allergy profile via an allergy test.
Once that’s out of the way, there are three options under your belt for symptom management:
- Avoidance – Quite literally stay away from your allergy triggers
- Medication – Take certain medications on a regular basis which may help control your allergies
- Immunotherapy – A long-term solution in the form of shots or drops, this can help build up your immune system resistance.