Allergies are a type of immune system disorder characterized by an abnormal response to substances called allergens. Allergens can include dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and certain foods. When the body comes into contact with an allergen it produces antibodies that trigger an allergic reaction which can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. The most common symptoms of allergies are sneezing, congestion, runny nose and watery eyes. Other symptoms may include skin rash or itching and difficulty breathing due to swelling of the airways.
The cause of allergies is not fully understood but they appear to be partially genetic in nature; individuals who have family members with allergies are more likely to develop them themselves. In addition factors such as exposure to allergens during childhood play a role in determining whether someone will become sensitized and eventually experience allergic reactions later on in life.
There is no cure for allergies but there are ways to manage them successfully in order reduce their severity or frequency of occurrence: these include avoiding known triggers (e.g., staying away from pets if you’re allergic too pet dander) or using medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids which help relieve symptoms when they occur; immunotherapy (allergy shots) can also help build tolerance over time though this approach takes several months before becoming effective..
In rare cases severe allergy reactions such as anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention; individuals at risk should carry autoinjectors containing epinephrine (adrenaline) for emergency use if needed. Anaphylaxis requires urgent treatment even if the individual has been previously treated with medication since additional doses may be necessary for full recovery depending on the severity of the reaction .