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    • Allergies
    • Guide
    • Overview & Facts
      • The Basics
      • Complications
    • Symptoms & Types
      • Seasonal & Pet Allergies
      • Food Allergies
      • Skin Allergies
      • Other Allergies
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      • Living With Allergies
    • View Full Guide

    Symptoms & Types

    Learn the types of allergies including food allergies, seasonal allergies, pet allergies, and many more.

    1. Seasonal & Pet Allergies

      1. Spring Allergies

        There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits.

      2. Summer Allergies

        Summer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds.

      3. Fall Allergies

        Ragweed, mold and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall.

      4. Winter Allergies

        If you have indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside.

      5. Hay Fever

        Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an immune disorder characterized by an allergic response to pollen grains and other substances. There are two types: seasonal, which occurs only during the time of year in which certain plants pollinate, and perennial, which occurs year-round.

      6. Pollen Allergies

        More than 25 million Americans are allergic to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds.

      7. Mold Allergy

        All of us are exposed to some mold every day, and usually, there are no problems. But if you have allergies to it, you can have a reaction if you’re around too much of it

      8. Dust Allergy

        For creatures you can't even see, dust mites can stir up a lot of trouble.

      9. Dog Allergy

        For a person with dog allergies, life in a dog-loving country isn't easy. Approximately 37%-47% of American households have a dog.

      10. Cat Allergy

        About 10% of the U.S. population has pet allergies and cats are among the most common culprits. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies.

    2. Food Allergies

      1. Is It an Allergy or an Intolerance?

        Food allergies or food intolerances affect nearly everyone at some point. People often have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate and wonder if they have a food allergy.

      2. Milk Allergy

        If you suffer from a milk allergy, strictly avoiding milk and food containing milk and milk products is the only way to prevent a reaction, which can include immediate wheezing, vomiting, and hives.

      3. Casein Allergy

        If a glass of milk or slice of pizza causes swollen lips, hives, or other symptoms, you may have an allergy to casein, a protein in milk. Another milk protein associated with allergies is whey. Some people are allergic to both casein and whey.

      4. Egg Allergy

        Egg allergies are more common in children than in adults. Reactions range from mild to severe.

      5. Wheat Allergy

        It can be a challenge to avoid wheat because it’s in so many things.

      6. Nut Allergy

        If you suffer from a nut allergy, strictly avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts like cashews and walnuts, and food containing nuts is the only way to prevent a reaction.

      7. Fish Allergy

        If you’re allergic to one kind of fish, your doctor may have told you to avoid others. Here’s what to look out for.

      8. Shellfish Allergy

        If you’re allergic to one type of shellfish, you may have problems with others. Take these steps to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

      9. Sulfite Sensitivity

        Sulfites are a group of sulfur-based compounds that may occur naturally or may be added to food as an enhancer and preservative. The FDA estimates that one out of 100 people is sensitive to the compounds.

      10. Soy Allergy

        If all you needed to do for a soy allergy was skip the soy sauce and tofu, life would be a breeze! But soybeans are a big part of processed foods, too.

    3. Skin Allergies

      1. Contact Dermatitis

        Something touches your skin, and your immune system thinks it's under attack. It overreacts and sends antibodies to help fight the invader, called an allergen. The result is a red, itchy rash where the substance landed.

      2. Hives (Urticaria) and Angioedema

        Hives, also known as urticaria, are an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps, patches, or welts on the skin that appear suddenly -- as a result of allergies, or for other reasons. In angioedema, the swelling happens under the skin, not on the surface.

      3. Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

        Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Urushiol triggers an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with skin, resulting in an itchy rash, which can appear within hours of exposure or up to several days later.

      4. Allergies to Insect Stings

        Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. Most people are not allergic to insect stings and may mistake a normal sting reaction for an allergic reaction.

      5. Can You Be Allergic to the Sun?

        Most people's skin will burn if there is enough exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, some people burn particularly easily or develop exaggerated skin reactions to sunlight.

      6. Cosmetic Allergies

        Some beauty products can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction.

      7. Nickel Allergy

        A nickel allergy is a skin reaction that develops after exposure to nickel or items containing the metal.

    4. Other Allergies

      1. Eye Allergies

        Millions of Americans have allergies. Most of those millions have symptoms involving their eyes.

      2. Allergic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

        Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults.

      3. Drug Allergies

        Many medications can cause side effects, and certain ones can trigger allergies.

      4. Aspirin (Salicylate) Allergy

        If you're allergic to chemicals called salicylates, you may need to avoid certain foods, medicines, and other products.

      5. Penicillin Allergy

        Since the 1940s, penicillin has been a go-to drug to clear up infections caused by bacteria. But some people get a bad reaction from taking it.

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