The most common types of allergies

The most common types of allergies

Those who suffer from allergies may also suffer to varying degrees - some need to take medication for this. For example, in the United States, 40 to 50 million people are affected by allergies such as rhinitis (inflammation of the nose).

Food allergies

Food allergies are probably one of the most common and often the first that many people will think of. Sufferers tend to be allergic to a variety of foods, and the intolerances themselves can be very specific. For example, celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten. However, this is also another rarer allergy in which a person is allergic to most processed grains - meaning they cannot eat bread, wheat, oats, or anything else that has been processed using modern agricultural farming methods.

Allergies to grass and pollen

Grass pollen is also a common allergen for many people, and symptoms usually manifest in the summer. People with a grass allergy often try to avoid places where there is a lot of grass, which can sometimes have serious effects on a person's quality of life, depending on what type of outdoor activities they do. In such cases, certain types of medications are taken.

The most well-known symptom of a grass or pollen allergy is usually rhinitis, when the nose becomes inflamed and causes significant mucus production. While this can be a nuisance in many cases, some people find that the symptoms can become so severe that they can no longer work, go to school, or even sleep.

Skin allergies

Skin allergies can also vary greatly. The most common symptom is hives and eczema, which can have various causes. For example, eczema is often caused by contact with certain substances such as perfumes or latex. There may also be other conditions that can make it worse, such as particularly dry skin.

What to do if you suspect you have an allergy?

If you feel you are allergic to certain materials or substances, you should first try stopping use and see if there is any improvement. However, it's best to talk to your doctor and try to make an appointment with an allergist. If you suspect you have a skin condition, an appointment with a dermatologist is also a good idea.

However, the most important thing is to avoid taking any medication without first consulting a doctor. There may be a number of other treatments you can use before trying to resort to stronger medications.

Inspired by Ethan Moore