Contact Dermatitis What Is an Allergy? This article explains the basics of an allergic reaction. Learn what happens when your immune system goes on high alert. This article explains the basics of an allergic reaction. Learn what happens when your immune system goes on high alert. Who Gets Allergies? Anyone can get them, at any age. You could develop them as a child, or you might not have any symptoms until you’re an adult. Anyone can get them, at any age. You could develop them as a child, or you might not have any symptoms until you’re an adult. What Causes an Allergic Reaction? While your problem may seem to start in the nose or the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune system run wild. While your problem may seem to start in the nose or the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune system run wild. Allergies and Asthma Worsening of asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergies, which can temporarily increase the inflammation of the airways. Worsening of asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergies, which can temporarily increase the inflammation of the airways. What Is an Allergy? This article explains the basics of an allergic reaction. Learn what happens when your immune system goes on high alert. This article explains the basics of an allergic reaction. Learn what happens when your immune system goes on high alert. Who Gets Allergies? Anyone can get them, at any age. You could develop them as a child, or you might not have any symptoms until you’re an adult. Anyone can get them, at any age. You could develop them as a child, or you might not have any symptoms until you’re an adult. What Causes an Allergic Reaction? While your problem may seem to start in the nose or the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune system run wild. While your problem may seem to start in the nose or the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune system run wild. Allergies and Asthma Worsening of asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergies, which can temporarily increase the inflammation of the airways. Worsening of asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergies, which can temporarily increase the inflammation of the airways. Allergies and Sinusitis Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Allergies can trigger sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Allergies can trigger sinusitis. What Happens in Anaphylaxis? It's not common, but sometime allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. It's not common, but sometime allergies can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Nasal Polyps Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that form in the nose or sinuses. They’re often linked to allergies or asthma. Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that form in the nose or sinuses. They’re often linked to allergies or asthma. Dupixent for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Dupixent contains dupilumab that helps to reduce the swelling and irritation in people with CRSwNP. Dupixent contains dupilumab that helps to reduce the swelling and irritation in people with CRSwNP. Spring Allergies There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits. There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits. Summer Allergies Summer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds. Summer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds. Fall Allergies Ragweed, mold, and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall. Ragweed, mold, and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall. Winter Allergies With indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside. With indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside. Spring Allergies There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits. There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits. Summer Allergies Summer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds. Summer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds. Fall Allergies Ragweed, mold, and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall. Ragweed, mold, and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall. Winter Allergies With indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside. With indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside. Hay Fever Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an immune disorder presented by an allergic response to pollen grains and other substances. Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an immune disorder presented by an allergic response to pollen grains and other substances. Mold Allergy All of us are exposed to some mold every day, usually, without problems. If you have allergies to it, you can have a reaction. All of us are exposed to some mold every day, usually, without problems. If you have allergies to it, you can have a reaction. Dust Allergy For creatures you can't even see, dust mites can stir up a lot of trouble. For creatures you can't even see, dust mites can stir up a lot of trouble. Dog Allergy For a person with dog allergies, life in a dog-loving country isn't easy. Roughly 37%-47% of American households have a dog. For a person with dog allergies, life in a dog-loving country isn't easy. Roughly 37%-47% of American households have a dog. Cat Allergy About 10% of the U.S. population has pet allergies, and cats are among the most common culprits. About 10% of the U.S. population has pet allergies, and cats are among the most common culprits. Is It an Allergy or an Intolerance? Food allergies or food intolerances affect nearly everyone at some point. Food allergies or food intolerances affect nearly everyone at some point. Managing Food Allergies with Xolair Xolair can make it less stressful and less dangerous to have serious food allergies. Xolair can make it less stressful and less dangerous to have serious food allergies. Milk Allergy If you have a milk allergy, avoiding milk and food containing milk and milk products is the only way to prevent a reaction. If you have a milk allergy, avoiding milk and food containing milk and milk products is the only way to prevent a reaction. Casein Allergy If a glass of milk or slice of pizza causes swollen lips, hives, or other symptoms, you may have an allergy to casein. If a glass of milk or slice of pizza causes swollen lips, hives, or other symptoms, you may have an allergy to casein. Egg Allergy Egg allergies are more common in children than in adults. Reactions range from mild to severe. Egg allergies are more common in children than in adults. Reactions range from mild to severe. Wheat Allergy It can be a challenge to avoid wheat because it’s in so many things. It can be a challenge to avoid wheat because it’s in so many things. Nut Allergy If you have a nut allergy, avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts, and food with nuts is the way to prevent a reaction. If you have a nut allergy, avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts, and food with nuts is the way to prevent a reaction. Seafood Allergy If you’re allergic to one kind of seafood, your doctor may have told you to avoid others. Here’s what to look out for. If you’re allergic to one kind of seafood, your doctor may have told you to avoid others. Here’s what to look out for. Sulfite Sensitivity Sulfites are a group of sulfur-based compounds that may occur naturally or may be added to food as an enhancer and preservative. Sulfites are a group of sulfur-based compounds that may occur naturally or may be added to food as an enhancer and preservative. Soy Allergy A soy allergy is when your body reacts to soy protein. Soy protein is a product of soybeans and it’s in many foods. A soy allergy is when your body reacts to soy protein. Soy protein is a product of soybeans and it’s in many foods. Hives (Urticaria) and Angioedema Hives are swollen bumps, patches, or welts on the skin that appear suddenly. They happen because of allergies or other reasons. Hives are swollen bumps, patches, or welts on the skin that appear suddenly. They happen because of allergies or other reasons. Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Allergies to Insect Stings Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. Can You Be Allergic to the Sun? Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a condition in which you get skin rashes even after limited sun exposure. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a condition in which you get skin rashes even after limited sun exposure. Cosmetic Allergies Certain ingredients in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens and trigger an allergic reaction. Certain ingredients in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens and trigger an allergic reaction. Nickel Allergy A nickel allergy is a skin reaction that develops after exposure to nickel or items containing the metal. A nickel allergy is a skin reaction that develops after exposure to nickel or items containing the metal. Other Allergies Eye Allergies Millions of Americans have allergies. Most of those millions have symptoms involving their eyes. Millions of Americans have allergies. Most of those millions have symptoms involving their eyes. Drug Allergies Many medications can cause side effects, and certain ones can trigger allergies. Many medications can cause side effects, and certain ones can trigger allergies. Aspirin (Salicylate) Allergy If you're allergic to chemicals called salicylates, you may need to avoid certain foods, medicines, and other products. If you're allergic to chemicals called salicylates, you may need to avoid certain foods, medicines, and other products. Penicillin Allergy Penicillin has been a go-to drug to clear up bacterial infections. But some people get a bad reaction from taking it. Penicillin has been a go-to drug to clear up bacterial infections. But some people get a bad reaction from taking it. Finding the Cause of Allergies An allergist may be able to help identify your allergy triggers. Several different types of allergy tests are used to do this. An allergist may be able to help identify your allergy triggers. Several different types of allergy tests are used to do this.

When to See an Allergist If you think you have allergies, think about seeing a doctor who can tell you whether you do or not. If you think you have allergies, think about seeing a doctor who can tell you whether you do or not. Allergy Skin Test Skin testing is one way your doctor can check on what causes your allergy symptoms. Skin testing is one way your doctor can check on what causes your allergy symptoms. Blood Test for Allergies Allergy blood tests detect and measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood. Allergy blood tests detect and measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood. Finding the Cause of Allergies An allergist may be able to help identify your allergy triggers. Several different types of allergy tests are used to do this. An allergist may be able to help identify your allergy triggers. Several different types of allergy tests are used to do this. When to See an Allergist If you think you have allergies, think about seeing a doctor who can tell you whether you do or not. If you think you have allergies, think about seeing a doctor who can tell you whether you do or not. Allergy Skin Test Skin testing is one way your doctor can check on what causes your allergy symptoms. Skin testing is one way your doctor can check on what causes your allergy symptoms. Blood Test for Allergies Allergy blood tests detect and measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood. Allergy blood tests detect and measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood. Food Allergy Testing Food allergies are common -- and commonly misunderstood by doctors as well as patients. Food allergies are common -- and commonly misunderstood by doctors as well as patients. Allergy Symptom Diary If you have a food allergy, you may need to keep a diary – and remove foods from your diet – to isolate what you’re allergic to. If you have a food allergy, you may need to keep a diary – and remove foods from your diet – to isolate what you’re allergic to. Elimination Diet An elimination diet involves removing specific foods or ingredients from your diet that you may be causing your allergy. An elimination diet involves removing specific foods or ingredients from your diet that you may be causing your allergy. Types of Allergy Drugs Learn all about the different over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can help ease annoying symptoms. Learn all about the different over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can help ease annoying symptoms. What Are Antihistamines? When medicine is needed to stem allergy symptoms, antihistamines are often first in line. When medicine is needed to stem allergy symptoms, antihistamines are often first in line. How Decongestants Work When allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally won't help. But a decongestant might. When allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally won't help. But a decongestant might. Nasal Sprays for Allergies When allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills. When allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills. Types of Allergy Drugs Learn all about the different over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can help ease annoying symptoms. Learn all about the different over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can help ease annoying symptoms. What Are Antihistamines? When medicine is needed to stem allergy symptoms, antihistamines are often first in line. When medicine is needed to stem allergy symptoms, antihistamines are often first in line. How Decongestants Work When allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally won't help. But a decongestant might. When allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally won't help. But a decongestant might. Nasal Sprays for Allergies When allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills. When allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills. Allergy Eye Drops Allergy eyedrops are liquid medicines used to treat symptoms of eye allergies. Allergy eyedrops are liquid medicines used to treat symptoms of eye allergies. Leukotriene Inhibitors Montelukast (Singulair) is a drug that relieves allergy symptoms and is also used to prevent asthma attacks. Montelukast (Singulair) is a drug that relieves allergy symptoms and is also used to prevent asthma attacks. Allergy Shots Allergy shots are one form of immunotherapy for allergies. You get the shots in a doctor’s office. Allergy shots are one form of immunotherapy for allergies. You get the shots in a doctor’s office. Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Biologics are injectable drugs that focus on the root cause of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Learn how they work and if they might be right for you. Biologics are injectable drugs that focus on the root cause of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Learn how they work and if they might be right for you. Living With Allergies Non-Drug Treatments for Allergies Natural treatments can't replace allergy medications, but they can work alongside them. Natural treatments can't replace allergy medications, but they can work alongside them. Allergy-Proof Your Environment Medicines help treat allergy symptoms once they strike. But these easy steps can help you avoid having an attack. Medicines help treat allergy symptoms once they strike. But these easy steps can help you avoid having an attack. Dehumidifiers for Allergies Mold, mildew, and dust mites don’t have to make you miserable. A home dehumidifier can help you breathe again. Mold, mildew, and dust mites don’t have to make you miserable. A home dehumidifier can help you breathe again. Dust Mite Mattress and Pillow Covers Special mattress and pillow covers can protect against dust mites, microscopic creatures that can trigger dust allergies. Special mattress and pillow covers can protect against dust mites, microscopic creatures that can trigger dust allergies. Avoiding Food Allergy Triggers Food allergies can be serious, but you can manage them. One of the best things you can do is avoid your trigger foods. Food allergies can be serious, but you can manage them. One of the best things you can do is avoid your trigger foods. Questions for Your Doctor About Chronic Sinusitis With Nasal Polyps Whether you're newly diagnosed with chronic sinusitis with polyps or already in treatment, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Whether you're newly diagnosed with chronic sinusitis with polyps or already in treatment, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Questions for Your Doctor About Your Child's Food Allergies Whether your child is newly diagnosed with a food allergy or you have questions about their current management plan, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Whether your child is newly diagnosed with a food allergy or you have questions about their current management plan, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Questions for Your Doctor About Chronic Sinusitis With Nasal Polyps Whether you're newly diagnosed with chronic sinusitis with polyps or already in treatment, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Whether you're newly diagnosed with chronic sinusitis with polyps or already in treatment, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Questions for Your Doctor About Your Child's Food Allergies Whether your child is newly diagnosed with a food allergy or you have questions about their current management plan, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Whether your child is newly diagnosed with a food allergy or you have questions about their current management plan, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment. Sign up for our free Allergies and Asthma Newsletter Get news and information on treatments, ways to manage reactions, and more Suggested Reads about Allergies Healthy Peanut-Free Snacks for Children Get ideas on healthy and tasty snacks for a child with peanut allergies. Healthy Peanut-Free Snacks for Children Get ideas on healthy and tasty snacks for a child with peanut allergies. Food Allergy Triggers, Common and Uncommon Peanuts, tomatoes, and even exercise, can bring on food allergies, some quite dangerous. This WebMD slideshow helps identify triggers, symptoms, and tests to help keep your family safe. Food Allergy Triggers, Common and Uncommon Peanuts, tomatoes, and even exercise, can bring on food allergies, some quite dangerous. This WebMD slideshow helps identify triggers, symptoms, and tests to help keep your family safe. Sinusitis Dos and Don'ts Is it OK to fly when you've got sinusitis? How about going to work? WebMD helps you decide what's right and wrong when you're all stuffed up. Sinusitis Dos and Don'ts Is it OK to fly when you've got sinusitis? How about going to work? WebMD helps you decide what's right and wrong when you're all stuffed up. Mosquito Repellents -- What Works? Mosquito bites are itchy, annoying, and can even make you sick. Find out what works (and what doesn't) to protect you from these blood-sucking bugs. Mosquito Repellents -- What Works? Mosquito bites are itchy, annoying, and can even make you sick. Find out what works (and what doesn't) to protect you from these blood-sucking bugs. Top Search Terms for Allergies Deviated Septum You can also search by physician, practice, or hospital name Allergies Reference Allergies Slideshows Allergies Videos Allergies Quizzes Find an Allergist Allergy Overview Allergy Symptoms Allergy Treatment Allergies or Cold? Seasonal Allergies Asthma and Allergies Drug Interaction Checker