1. Seasonal allergens, like pollens from trees, grasses and weeds.
2. Perennial, or year-round allergens, such as house dust, animal dander and mold spores, foods, medicines, and insect bits and stings.
What are some of the medical words used to describe various allergies?
Allergic rhinitis: This is a general term that describes the various symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and itching.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Symptoms are caused by pollens from trees, grasses, or weeds. Weather also affects the amount of pollen in the air at any one time.
Perennial (or year round) allergic rhinitis: This term describes allergies that cause symptoms throughout the year. The major indoor allergen is house dust. The molds often found in damp, humid areas like the bathroom or basement is can also be a problem.
Allergic dermatitis: This is an itchy rash that usually occurs in the creases of your arms, legs and neck although it can cover your entire body. This condition is often associated with allergies and food may be an important cause of the problem.
Contact dermatis: This allergic reaction happens when your skin touches things like plants, cosmetics, medicines, metals and chemicals. Your skin gets red, itchy, and hot.
Urticaria or hives: This is an outbreak of red, itchy welts or bumps of different sizes on the skin. Sometimes the cause can be traced to foods like nuts, tomatoes, shellfish, berries and medicines like penicillin or aspirin.
Can I be cured of my allergy?
There is no cure for allergies right now.
How can allergies be treated?
The best way to treat allergies is to stay away from the things you're allergic to. Two other ways are medicine and allergy shots.
Allergy Do's and Don'ts
- Do keep windows closed at night to keep pollen and mold spores outside; use air conditioning to clean, cool and dry the air.
- Do limit activity in early morning when pollenis usually in the air.
- Do keep your windows closed whiny travel in a car.
- Do stay indoors when the pllen count or humidity is high, along with windy days.
- Do wash house pets weekly to cut down on the dander from the fur in the air.
- Do have the house vacuumed frequently.
- Do use allergen proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
- Do avoid foods and medicines that cause itching and hives.
Last updated
03/07/2004
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Rosie Horton
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