People that suffer from severe allergies will do just about anything to alleviate their symptoms. The problem with prescription medications is that many of them have side effects and the most common side effect is to make you feel sluggish and drowsy which also makes it difficult to concentrate and dangerous to drive a car or operate heavy machinery. Because of this, many people look into options for natural allergy relief.

Allergy symptoms are caused by an overly sensitive immune system reacting to things like dust, pollen, pet dander, or mold. When these allergens are present your body releases histamine which can cause sinus congestion, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, headaches, trouble breathing, and other symptoms. Most prescription and over the counter medications for allergy sufferers are antihistamines which are drugs that occupy histamine receptor sites in the body that prevent histamine from causing allergic symptoms.

For people looking to avoid the common side effects of these drugs natural allergy relief is available in the form of various herbal supplements. The herb butterbur is a shrub that has been used for migraines, cramps, allergies, and asthma. Onion extract is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat bronchial conditions and cold symptoms. In addition to various herbal remedies many doctors believe that certain nutrients can be helpful for alleviating or preventing some symptoms.

One of the best methods for natural allergy relief is to not treat the symptoms but to remove the allergens from your environment so that you don't have to contend with these symptoms in the first place. The way to do that is by using a good air purifier to remove these contaminants from the air you breathe. A good HEPA air purifier will remove close to 100% of common allergens from the air in your home and help you stop your allergy symptoms before they start.

Many illnesses in children and adults are actually caused by a cat allergy symptom. The source of the allergy symptom is of course our feline pet friends. Today, one out of two households has a cat for a pet. This exposes millions who suffer from cat allergy symptom(s) to allergens that produce symptoms ranging from sneezing to severe asthma.

Cat asthma refers to the sudden reaction some people have to coming in close contact with a cat. The victim suffers from spasms and swelling of the respiratory tract due to the immune system rejecting the protein contained in the pet dander. This protein is carried in the cat's saliva and deposited on the feline's fur (to become pet dander) during a cat's constant grooming ritual. In severe instances the airway can be shut off and the person unable to breath.

The top four symptoms that contribute and may indicate an asthma attack is around the corner are as follows:

1. Acute Rhinitis.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages in the nose. Acute rhinitis means it occurs suddenly. Many people who suffer from cat (and often food) allergies have an instant reaction when a kitty is brought near their face. This usually evokes a fit of sneezing, and an itchy runny nose. Often the person may sneeze uncontrollably. Allergy relief for this symptom may consist of an over the counter oral antihistamine and/or nasal spray to alleviate cat allergy symptom(s).

2. Itchy, red, watery eyes.

Some sufferers' eyes will water so much it may look like they are crying. Eye drops for cat allergy relief are available over the counter and by a doctor's prescription.

3. Skin Rash or hives.

The skin may have an adverse reaction if the cat saliva comes into contact with the skin (such as the cat licking or rubbing up against you). A raised red area called hives may occur at the point of contact. The body's immune system then takes over and continues to make the rash worsen. Washing the area may help give cat allergy relief from this symptom.

4. Difficulty Breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea)

If the dander from the cat is inhaled via the air, inflammation and swelling of the airways may occur. If the irritation continues to cause the immune system to attack the mucus lining, an asthma attack occurs.

Anyone with asthma should discuss a treatment plan that includes a rescue inhaler if cat asthma symptoms need to be controlled suddenly due to an attack. Most individuals who know they suffer from symptoms carry and inhaler to counteract the swelling of the respiratory tract. Prompt treatment is crucial. If an attack does not improve quickly with on hand treatments; call 911 and request professional medical assistance to avoid fatality.

Suffering from a cat allergy symptom may be difficult if many of your friends are cat lovers and owners. Some things you can do to maintain your friendship while avoiding symptoms from occurring is to ask your friend to put kitty in a secure (and away from you) place. Do let them know it is not because you are a cat hater, but rather you want to avoid becoming seriously ill. Your friends should understand this.

Allergies are more common than ever and they usually affect more and more people. Allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to a particular substance. There is no clear reason for the rise of allergies. Some experts believe it is associated with pollution and unclean environment. This type of disorder can be mild but can also be severe. Without proper treatment and prevention, this might cause death. There are lots and different treatment for allergies. You can choose from a variety of options.

The easiest way to ease the annoying symptoms of allergies is through medications. Over the counter and prescriptions are convenient because they are readily available. These allergy drugs include antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines, corticosteroids, and others. Antihistamines have been used for many years to treat allergies and hypersensitive reactions and colds. This works by counteracting the effects of histamine on a receptor sit. Decongestants relieve congestion and are often prescribed along with antihistamines for allergies. They come in nasal spray, eye drop, liquid, or pill form.

Another way to treat allergies is through immunotherapy or most commonly known as allergy shots. They are given to increase the tolerance to the substances known as allergens that provoke allergy symptoms. They are usually recommended for people who suffer from severe allergies. They do not cure allergies but they help reduce sensitivity to certain substances. Immunotherapy is effective for allergies to stinging insects, a variety of pollens and dust mites, as well as for allergic asthma. Even for molds and pet dander, this is also effective.

The latest treatment to allergies is Leukotriene Inhibitors. Montelukast is a leukotriene inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for relief of seasonal allergy conditions and hay fever in adults and in children older than 2 years of age. These are chemical substances that promote the inflammatory response seen during exposure to allergens. By keeping these chemicals from producing swelling, leukotriene inhibitors reduce inflammation. These are available in tablet, chewable tablet and oral granule forms (with prescription from your doctor).

The most natural way to relieve allergies is through natural treatment such as herbs and nature-based products. Using herbs and natural based products are very efficient in treating mild allergies and other important allergies. The most popular treatment is the European herb butterbur. This is as effective as an antihistamine drug in reducing symptoms of hay fever without the symptom of drowsiness once it is taken. Another effective natural treatment is salt water or saline. It works to wash out pollen and reduce mucous.

Allergies are the result of an immune system that has gone haywire. The occur when your immune system has an overreaction to an otherwise normal, everyday substance. Some of these substances include cat dander, pollen or plain old every day dust.

The bad news is that 20% of all Americans have to deal with the coughing, sneezing, tight chests, wheezing, breathing problems, eyes that itch all the time, skin rashes and even hives.

The good news? There are a number of things you can do to help minimize your misery. The following 5 strategies have been doctor tested and approved.

1. Treat The Symptoms

No matter how hard you try, you are likely going to be exposed to whatever it is that bothers you. In many cases, getting a seasonal shot at your doctor's office will take care of the problem. However, there are plenty of Over the Counter, non sedating antihistamines you may want to check out first. Of course, there is also the intranasal steroid spray this is very effective as well, but it's only available via prescription.

2. Air Condition Your Car & House

This is really the best thing you can do for pollen related allergies. It can also help with two other known inhalants that cause allergies as well - mold and dust mites. AC units will not only help keep humidity low which discourages mites and mold, they also filter the air in the process of cooling it, assuming your AC unit has an air filter that is cleaned regularly.

3. Install An Air Filter

By installing an air filter in your home, you'll be able to gain relief from pollen and mold as well as pet dander. HEPA filters are the most efficient type of filters. Be sure to keep windows and doors shut when using an air filter in order to keep the volume of air being cleaned at a reasonable level. If there is too much air to be filtered, it's likely that not all will be.

4. Invest In A Dehumidifier

Dust mites do not operate in low humidity. The drier the better when it comes to getting them out of your house. Be that you empty the water regularly - or have a hose hooked up to it. If you find the air is too dry for some members of your family, purchase a small humidifier to place in their room.

5. Keep Your House Clean

Sounds like a pretty obvious strategy, no? It is, but be careful how you clean your house. Using a standard dust cloth will only pump more dust into the air. Always be sure to use a damp cloth when cleaning or dusting. Stay away from aerosol sprays or chemicals as they could irritate airways.

In humid conditions, use a bleach solution so that you'll be killing mold. Wipe down surfaces in your bathrooms regularly as this is the #1 place you'll find mold.

If you are allergic to common household dust, hire a cleaning company to come in and clean the carpets while you are out of the house. A small price to pay to avoid an allergic reaction.

Adults and kids alike are all susceptible to allergies. If parts of your body react negatively, such as appearance of rashes or blisters, to substances that are not normally harmful to others, then you probably are allergic to that particular matter. These matters are called allergens. When hands, arms, legs, face, or any part of the body is exposed to these allergens, your system considers these as attackers, and thus, rashes, blisters, and other types of skin irritations appear.

These triggers may be natural materials or synthetically prepared chemicals such as perfumes and colognes, make up, soaps, jewelry, topical medicine, and others. This is also known as contact dermatitis or the exposure of skin on anything that may cause skin inflammation.

In some cases, allergy may be in the form of food that you eat or drink like sea food, poultry, legumes, chocolates, and milk. When these get in the body, this can trigger other physical discomfort in your eyes, mouth, ears, nose, throat, lungs, among others. Sometimes, allergies can be inherited from generation to generation. The kind of allergy you have may not be the same as the one your kids have. In some instances, kids develop an allergy which no one in the family has.

Laundry detergents are one of the most common causes of skin inflammation for both adults and children - because the adult uses the detergent to wash the clothes and kids wear washed clothes using the detergent.

Detergent allergies may only manifest hours after doing the laundry. Noticeable red and dry patches on skin are the common marks of allergy. It can be very itchy and with continued use of the product, this can make the hands blistered and swollen. If left untreated, the worst thing that can happen is the thickening of the scaly patches on your hands.

To avoid such incidences, stop using the brand of detergent you're currently using and switch to non-allergenic laundry detergents. Wash your hands upon contact with the detergent and apply creams such as cortisone creams and calamine lotion to relieve itchiness and irritation. Cold compresses also help.

Since household chores cannot be avoided, wear gloves as you go about cleaning the house. If you have the budget, invest on a fully automatic laundry machine to ensure you minimize direct contact with the laundry detergent. Lastly, ensure to seek advice from a dermatologist. Your doctor can give you an accurate and sound diagnosis as to what type of allergy you have and advice you on the proper treatment method.

Mold allergies are one of the main health problems that affect people of all ages. There are thousands of molds, although some of them do not cause any allergies at all. In fact there are only about 12 different kinds of molds that can cause a serious allergy. It is possible that mold might be the major reason that people have seasonal allergies. Mold spores are very tiny and they are airborne, which makes it possible for you to have mold anywhere in your home. However, the most common reason for mold allergies is mold growing in areas where there is a lot of moisture.

The most common symptoms of mold allergies are watery eyes, wheezing, stuffed up nose, shortness of breath and asthma. A mild mold allergy may not even require you to seek medical attention, whereas other symptoms may be so severe that they require hospitalization. A Stachybotrys allergy has been known to cause bleeding in the lungs of infants, especially when it is combined with exposure to second hand smoke. The Stachybotrys atra mold can cause disorders of the nervous system, such as the inability to concentrate, changes in personality and sleep disorders.

Where is the mold that usually causes the mold allergies?

The Stachybortrys mold grows on areas that get soaked in water and are not completely dried out. This is the common cause of mold allergies in homes that have experienced flooding. Other areas in the home where mold is commonly found when you go looking for the source of your mold allergy includes basements, closets, shower stalls in bathrooms, fresh food stored in cupboards and the refrigerator, foam pillows, garbage containers and house plants.

You can control your mold allergies by containing or reducing the amount of mold in your home. Some ways you can do this include keeping the level of humidity below 40%. You can use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier in times when the humidity is really high and in so doing help to keep down the severity of your mold allergy. You do need to ensure that your kitchen and bathroom are ventilated. If you have a HEPA filter, change the filters on a regular basis. If the filters are clogged they are not going to do much to take the mold spores out of the air in your home.

There are some people whose mold allergies flare up when they eat certain foods. These include such foods as cheese, mushrooms, dried fruits, and foods containing yeast. These foods actually contain mold, which will certainly aggravate a mold allergy. There are many different types of products on the market to help you with your mold allergies, but the best thing is to try to eliminate mold from your home.

Allergies at any age can be difficult to diagnose, but are particularly complex in children because many allergy symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions. And children are often less able to accurately describe their symptoms. Here are 5 common allergy symptoms and ways they may present differently that make them suggestive of allergies rather than other conditions.

Dark Eye Circles - This discoloration under the eyes looks like raccoon eyes or black eyes and are called allergic shiners. The area under the eyes appears darker because of increased blood flow to the sinus area rather than due to a lack of sleep. Shiners related to allergies are often accompanied by an extra fold of skin under the lower eye lids called the Denni-Morgan lines. These lines take their names from the two physicians who first made the connection between allergies and its relationship to this facial feature.

Allergic Eczema - This may first appear as contact dermatitis that is the skin's reaction to contact with an irritant; but is most often associated with allergies and presents as a rash in folds of the skin-knees, elbows, eyes, and even on the face. The affected areas are often very dry, red and itchy skin. Unfortunately, those who have allergies often suffer with this condition as well.

Frequent Sinus Infections - When the body overacts to an allergen, it produces additional fluids. These fluids then block the sinus passages, and bacteria and germs that are usually able to pass through and leave the body are able to invade the tissue lining the sinus cavity causing infection. Infection tends to be more common with those who suffer from allergies because the body's attempt to fight off foreign substances weakens the immune system making the body less effective in freeing itself of germs. Sinus infections can cause headaches, nasal congestion, and fever.

Chronic Cough - A cough that does not go away, is mostly dry, and only sometimes brings up phlegm into the mouth is usually an indication of increased fluid in the sinus cavity. Additional sinus fluid is often due to a reaction to allergens. Since the cough is a symptom rather than a condition, and even though it can be treated, eliminating the cause is the only sure way to eliminate the cough for good. If a cough persists, seek medical advice immediately as it is a symptom of many conditions other than allergies.

Itchy Nose - The nose knows when there are allergens present, and it lets the body know with an itch. This one symptom clearly defines the presence of an allergen from just a stuffy nose associated with a cold. Many children with allergies rub their nose in a way that resembles a salute, and this action is often nicknamed, the allergy salute. The only way to eliminate allergy symptoms is to avoid contact with the allergen that precipitates the reaction. But knowing and being able to recognize these common symptoms will allow you intervene earlier and provide relief for your child sooner.

Allergic reactions to the sun can be quite uncommon. However they can be prevented if you know what symptoms to look for. Sun allergies come in 4 common types, each with their own set of symptoms. Because of this it's best to discuss the symptoms with their respective type.

1) Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE) is the most common and effects 10-15% or the population. It affects women more than men in all races. Symptoms begin showing themselves in early adulthood and include the following: an itchy rash appears on the neck, upper chest, arms and legs within the first 2 hours of exposure and can last up to 2-3 days. Chills, headache and nausea may also be experienced. Treatments include using cool water over the affected area. You can control the itching by using an over-the-counter antihistamine.

2) Actinic Prurigo (hereditary PMLE) is very similar to PMLE however the symptoms are confined to the face, especially the lips. It starts to appear in childhood or during the teenage years. Symptoms are the same as PMLE.

3) Photoallergic eruptions is an effect to a chemical that has been applied to the skin. Examples of things that can trigger it are sunscreen, cosmetic, fragrance or ointment. Symptoms are very similar to PMLE as well; however they tend to show up latter. Rashes may not show themselves for several days after exposure to the sun. It's also possible for the rash to spread to parts of the skin that are covered my clothing and don't get direct sunlight. This may make it difficult to identify exactly which products are triggering the allergy. The treatment is simple. Determine which products are causing the allergy and stop using it.

4) Solar urticaria, which mostly affect women, is the most rare of all the sun allergies. It will produce large, itchy hives on the areas that are exposed to the sun, which appear within minutes of exposure. The last 30 to 120 minutes. You should use the same treatment at PMLE.

The good news is that most sun allergies are preventable. By using sunscreen and limiting the amount of time spend outdoors you should be safe from sun allergies forever.

There are different symptoms of having an allergy. Some can be mild, some can be very annoying, but some can be dangerous and even life threatening. Below is a list of some common allergy symptoms:

1. Skin rashes - annoying and itchy and sometimes painful. Depends where they are on the body, they can make someone to look quite ugly.
2. Breathing problems - when allergy causes problems with breathing and lack of oxygen, it is very serious and requires attention.
3. Itchy notes, mouth, throat and skin - this is one of the most common and annoying allergy symptoms - an itch that can't be smoothed.
4. Conjunctivitis - burning and itchy eyes, is also a common allergy problem.
5. Coughing - another common allergy problem for many people - constant cough that sometimes is also painful.
6. Hives - hives can be painful and they can cause attention of others in public.
7. Headache - distracting headache that makes difficult to do anything constructive or relax.
8. Diarrhea - long time diarrhea can be also life threatening.

When you have an allergy the next step is to find out what causes it. You should talk to your doctor who will after checking the symptoms, know what to do. You should have a physical examination. The next step is usually tests which can find out precisely what causes the allergy. There are three kinds of tests:

1. The Skin Test - it is the least expensive and is very accurate. To do the skin test, a small amount of allergen is put on the skin and then the spot is pricked or scratched with a needle. A bit of allergen is also injected into the outer part of the skin. If there is an allergy to the tested product, after about 15-20 minutes after the test, there will be redness, swelling and itching on the skin

2. The Patch Test - it is done to find a contact dermatitis. A small amount of allergen is put into skin and then covered with a bandage. A doctor then checks the spot within forty-eight hours to see if a rash develops.

3. The Blood Test - this test is done when there are skin conditions or medications taken that might interfere with a skin test. In the blood test, the blood is taken to a laboratory and allergens are added to the blood sample. The amount of antibodies that are going to be made will be measured in this test.

Allergy symptoms range from the life threatening to the irritating to the downright bizarre; but they all tend to share one thing in common: people want to get rid of them! Whether you're constantly sneezing, or if your heart sinks at the phrase 'may contain nuts' then the chances are you want to be rid of your allergies. But to get rid of them you first have to know what it is you have. If you think you may have an allergy, look out for these four most common symptoms.

Sneezing

Allergy symptoms are the result of allergens causing reaction within our immune system, which in turn causes the unpleasant side effects of an allergy. A classic case of this is sneezing; the nasal passage becomes irritated by the allergen, and the body responds by trying to expel the foreign particle and clear the irritant. It is an attempt by the immune system to rid the body of a potential threat. The violent expulsion of air caused by the sneeze attempts to eliminate the threat and maintain a clean environment for the body. Of course this can get rather irritating if you are trying to have a conversation, and instead you end up spraying the person in front of you unexpectedly!

Watering Eyes

Watering eyes are a similar reaction to sneezing; again the body is trying to get rid of a potential threat by flushing out the tear ducts. This reaction is designed to swill out the eyes and particularly to wash away pollen which is the biggest culprit in allergic reactions.

Itching or Red Skin

Irritated skin is another common symptom of an allergy. These tend to indicate an allergy to something like a washing powder or perfume; many people find that when they change their washing powder they have an allergic reaction of this sort. This effect is most commonly called 'contact dermatitis', as it occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant. However, there are other types of rash such as eczema which are caused by causes other than simple contact. There are also conditions such as hives which come under this heading. Hives are raised lumps on the skin, which are mostly red in color. They can last varying amounts of time from a few minutes to a few days.

Headaches

Headaches are a common allergy symptom. The presence of a headache in an allergic reaction is quite common, mostly due to pressure which builds up in the sinuses. This is especially true for anyone who gets violent sneezing reactions as part of their allergies. There can also be headaches which are caused by certain foods. Additives such as MSG are incredibly bad for you and your health, and should always be eaten in moderate amounts or not at all if possible. As well as this, having an allergy to a specific type of food which isn't bad for you can cause headaches.

These are a just some of the allergy symptoms you should look out for. And remember - always consult a medical professional to ensure that you aren't missing anything important in your diagnosis!