The human body is under constant threat from many external sources that could destroy one’s wellbeing. It requires medical intervention to ensure that the threat is taken care of. The first line of defense is the body itself; the mechanism of the human body is a perfectly capable defense system to attack the microbes or environmental toxins that invade the territory. This is known as the immune system. The immune destroys any external objects that are identified as a threat; however, this action, when on overdrive, can cause adverse reactions such as allergies.

How do allergies appear?
The body’s immune system, while destroying the external factors of infections, can cause inflammation to the skin and airways of the digestive system, resulting in an allergy.

What are the types of allergies?
There are several types of allergies, the most common ones are caused by the following:

• Food
  Allergies occur when the immune system reacts adversely to foods like egg, seafood, and wheat.
• Medication
  It occurs when certain medications are not accepted by the immune system. For example, herbal medicines and consumption of over-the-counter medicines.
• Insects
  Bites from insects like bugs, fleas, and mosquitos can promote allergic reactions.
• Pet
  Exposure to pet’s hair, urine, saliva, or skin cells can lead to an allergy.
• Pollen
  A powdery substance from pollen grains can trigger allergy, especially the ones affecting the respiratory tract.
• Mold
  Fungal infections can occur when exposure to substances lead to allergies.
• Latex
  Allergy caused by the usage of natural rubber or latex products such as balloons, condoms, gloves.

The allergies that have occurred could be seasonal, so those who are susceptible to these types of allergies should be careful.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of allergies vary from person to person, the common ones are:

• Itching of eyes, skin, nose, or mouth
• Sneezing
• Swelling
• Rashes
• Wheezing
• Nausea
• Flake
• Stuffy nose
• Conjunctivitis
• Tingling in the mouth
• Hives

There are critical symptoms:

• Low blood pressure
• Lesser pulse rate
• Loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma
• Sinusitis of lungs and ears

What should a person affected with an allergy do?
The most important thing is not to attempt self-diagnosis or medicate. Consulting a doctor for the correct prognosis is the appropriate way to go, especially if the person is frequently affected by allergies.

• Following the instructions of the doctor studiously, avoiding anything that has caused the allergy is recommended.
• Avoiding street food, especially seafood from hotels and restaurants.
• Washing your hands and body after returning home from anywhere.
• Remembering the history of such instances and avoiding exposure to allergens is important.

What does the doctor recommend?
After a thorough check-up, a doctor might recommend the following:

• Blood test
• Skin test (skin prick test)
• Patch test
• Pills
• Nasal sprays
• Eye drops
• Diet changes
• Immunotherapy (for severe cases)