1.|What is an allergy?
Answer: An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to a normally harmless substance, such as food, pollen, or certain drugs. Allergies can cause a range of symptoms including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, rashes, and hives.
2.|What are the most common allergies?
Answer: The most common allergies are hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, food allergies, and eczema.
3.|What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Answer: Symptoms of an allergy can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, rashes, and hives.
4.|What causes allergies?
Answer: Allergies are caused by an abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance, such as food, pollen, or certain drugs.
5.|What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
Answer: An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance, while an intolerance is an adverse reaction to a food or substance that does not involve the immune system.
6.|How are allergies diagnosed?
Answer: Allergies are typically diagnosed through skin tests or blood tests. Skin tests involve exposing a person to a small amount of a suspected allergen and observing the reaction, while blood tests measure the levels of antibodies in the blood.
7.|How are allergies treated?
Answer: Allergies can be treated with antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy.
8.|Are allergies hereditary?
Answer: Allergies can be passed down from parent to child, but not all allergies are hereditary.
9.|Can allergies be prevented?
Answer: Allergies cannot be completely prevented, but avoiding exposure to known allergens can help to reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
10.|What is the best way to manage allergies?
Answer: The best way to manage allergies is to avoid exposure to known allergens, take prescribed medications as directed, and use over-the-counter medications to control symptoms. If symptoms do not improve, consult with an allergist for further treatment.