Allergies

Allergies are triggered by various allergy-causing substances (allergens) such as pollens, moulds, and animal dander. In the springtime, typical allergens are pollens that come from grasses and trees. During the rest of the year, other allergens such as pet dander, mites found within house dust, and moulds are common.

Allergy sufferers should be seen by an allergist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist. The physician or specialist will ask questions related to the patient's medical history and may perform a series of medical examinations and tests. One common test is the "skin test," done by scratching or lightly injecting a small amount of allergen into the surface of the patient's skin.

Anaphylaxis is a rare but severe allergic reaction that can occur after exposure to an allergy-causing substance. If you have a history of allergies or a family history of anaphylactic reactions, you may be at higher risk. Causes of anaphylaxis include certain medications, latex, insect bites and stings, and foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and dairy products.

Controlling dust mites, mold spores, house dust, animal dander, and exposure to pollen can help relieve and prevent allergy symptoms. Refer to the following list for ideas on how to control your environment and for better management of rhinitis (nasal - "hay fever") symptoms.