Have you experienced feeling a noticeable discomfort after eating a specific type of food or taking a particular medicine? If so, there is a high chance that you are allergic to that food or drug. Generally, an allergy is a condition wherein your body reacts to something you have digested or come into contact with. There are different types of allergies, and knowing about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for each one can help you understand and possibly prevent yourself from acquiring them.



The first type of allergy involves food. This is aptly known as food allergy, and it is caused by the consumption of certain meals that contain ingredients which one may be allergic to. Since the types of food that can cause this allergy differ from one case to another, there is no specific food that has been pinpointed as the main cause of food allergy. However, the common types of foods which have been proven to cause food allergies among groups of individuals include seafood and certain fruits.

Immediate symptoms of food allergies are itching in the mouth and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Once the food that caused the allergic reaction has been swallowed, other symptoms will occur such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and diarrhea. The best way to treat food allergy is to abstain from eating the food that has caused the allergic reaction. Other treatments for food allergies involve medications. However, the person who has the allergy should consult his doctor before taking these medications during cases wherein he feels an allergic reaction.

Another common type of allergy is caused by particles which one has inhaled. These particles include dust, mold, and dander. Other particles that can cause this allergy include smoke, fumes, and detergents. Medical experts have given names for this type of allergy to better identify its specific cause. These names include indoor allergy and pet allergy. Although the said names are valid, a general term for this allergy would be nasal allergy.

Symptoms of nasal allergy may include irritated and teary eyes, difficulty in breathing and formation of mucus in the breathing passages, and skin rashes. The best way to treat allergy caused by airborne particles is to maintain a clean environment within and around the home. Areas where dust normally accumulates should be wiped and cleaned. Proper ventilation should be provided in the home to prevent the growth of mold. The rooms and other places where pets stay should be vacuumed thoroughly. Medications in the form of inhalers and tablets can also be taken to prevent worse cases of allergies caused by airborne particles.

Moving on, the next type of allergy involves the skin. Skin allergies can be caused by certain products such as latex and jewelry which directly come into contact with the skin. Symptoms of skin allergy include itching, redness, blistering, and swelling in the affected area. Apart from avoiding the product that causes the allergic reaction, topical creams can be applied on the skin to alleviate the discomfort brought about by the allergy.