Allergy is an abnormal reaction (action made in response to a stimulus) to a foreign substance by the body that is rapid, certain and acquired. There are hundreds of allergens that cause allergic reactions ranging from a red swollen allergy reaction to psoriasis and other annoying allergies. Excessive sensitivity to certain substances (i.e. pollen, pet hair, medicine, flying insect bite, dust, smoke etc.) often causes the development of allergic reactions and other symptoms.



With the enormous number of allergens beyond your control the better question is How to reduce allergy reactions effectively and safely?

A seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction that is typically only present for part of a year, such as spring or autumn. This type of allergy refers to a pollen allergy, such as flowers, trees, weeds and grasses. Perennial allergies, on the other hand, are usually present throughout the year, and include allergens such as pet dandruff, flaky scales of skin or feathers and house dust mite.

Pollens (fine powder produced by flowers that fertilizes other plants for reproduction) are tiny powdery grains released from flowering plants, which are transport or carried by the wind or insects. Pollen can travel long distances and the levels in the air can vary from day to day. Pollens that are spread by the wind are usually the main cause of seasonal allergies. When pollen is present in the air, it can land in a person's nose, eyes, lungs and skin to set up an allergic reaction.

Sign and Symptoms may include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies) and allergic asthma. Unlike avoidance of pet dander and dust mites, it is more difficult to prevent and keep away from exposure to pollens, since pollens are present in the natural environment (air). Here are some of the tips to reduce or minimize pollen exposure or contact: Keep your windows closed prevents pollens from drifting into your home. Reduce or minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted-between 5-10 a.m. Keep your car windows closed while traveling. Stay indoors when the pollen count is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in the air. Take a vacation to a more pollen-free area, such as sea or the beach peak of the pollen season. Avoid cutting down hay, freshly cut grass or similar crops. Avoid cloths hung outside to dry as Pollen may collect in laundry.

An allergist can help determine to which types of pollens to which you are allergic. If you have seasonal allergies, is performed through allergy testing, which typically involves skin testing or a blood test (RAST). Allergy testing can be helpful in predicting the times of the year that you are likely to experience allergy symptoms and reaction.

When avoidance action are not possible or fails, many people require medications to treat their allergic symptoms. Histamines are the amine compounds or chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction. Oral anti-histamines are (drug which counteracts histamine in the body) the most common class of medications used for allergic conditions by physicians. The First generation anti-histamine is generally considered too sedating. Newer, second-generation anti-histamines have now become first-line therapy for people with allergic conditions and symptoms. These prescription medications include fexofenadine (Allegra),cetirizine (Zyrtec), levo-cetrizine (Zyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex?). These medications have the advantage of being relatively more effective less inexpensive, easy for people to take, start working within a few minutes. These medications are good at treating itching, runny nose, sneezing, and of the other symptoms of allergy. Side effects are unusual or rare, and include less sedation or drowsiness or sleepiness, than the first-generation anti-histamines.