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Types of Allergies

There are many different allergies that individuals can suffer from including allergic rhinitis, hives, poison ivy & other plant allergies, bee stings, animal allergies, latex allergy, mold allergy, chemical sensitivities, cosmetic allergies, drug allergies, eczema (atopic dermatitis), eye allergies, and food allergies.

Another name for allergic rhinitis is hay fever. This is a reaction to pollen, which is the male component of the plant reproductive system. It can also be an allergic reaction to microscopic substances present only at certain times of the year. Individuals can also have allergic rhinitis year-round.

Spring is a popular time for hay fever as trees are in pollination. During the summer when grasses and weeds are growing and pollinating they will produce an allergic reaction in many people. In the autumn you can blame your sneezing on the ever-unpopular ragweed. Typically from late March until November mold spores are releasing their reproductive cells, we call spores, which peak in late summer and early fall and can cause a lot of allergy misery.

The year-round culprits of allergic rhinitis are dust mites, mold, animal dander and feathers. We find these allergens anywhere there are pillows, draperies and curtains, upholstery, thick carpeting, down clothing, and bedding.

Most individuals who have allergic rhinitis are allergic to more than one allergen.

Hives (urticaria) are bumps, patches, or welts on the skin that look swollen, and usually pale red. Hives are allergic reactions to allergens. They usually itch, or may burn or sting. They can be anywhere that you have skin (lips, face, throat, ears etc.). They can be a variety of sizes from tiny to very large. They can last for several hours or up to several days before fading.

Poison Ivy and other plant allergies such as poison oak and poison sumac contain an irritating, oily sap that can trigger an allergic reaction if an individual comes into direct contact with the plant. You can also touch an object that has touched the plant and also receive an allergic reaction - objects such as gardening tools, camping equipment even your dog Fido when he comes running back from the woods.

Many individuals are allergic to bees such as bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornets and also fire ants. What individuals are actually allergic to are the insect stings. You may have a normal reaction to the sting of an insect without being allergic to the sting. A normal reaction results in pain, swelling and also redness to the skin around where the sting occurred. When the reaction is a large one the swelling extends beyond the skin where the stinger entered. If the individual was stung in the finger and the entire hand became swollen this would be a large reaction.

An allergic reaction to a sting results in difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the tissue surrounding the sting, difficulty swallowing, restlessness or anxiety, rapid pulse, dizziness or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Severe allergic reactions can lead to shock, unconsciousness and cardiac arrest in a matter of 10 minutes or less. This reaction can be fatal. Emergency help is needed immediately.