Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide. Allergy symptoms range from making you miserable to putting you at risk for life-threatening reactions.
Our immune system protects us from invading organisms that can cause illness. If you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an invader. We call this substance an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.
Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms most often occur in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears. For some people, allergies can also trigger symptoms of asthma.
A number of different allergens are responsible for nasal allergies. The most common include:
• Pollen
• Dust
• Animal dander
• Mold
Allergy Diagnosis
Diagnosis of nasal allergies involves a consultation with an allergist/immunologist with appropriate skin testing or blood testing.