Allergies

WebMD

Overview

Symptoms & Types

Spring AllergiesThere's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits.

Summer AllergiesSummer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds.

Fall AllergiesRagweed, mold, and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall.

Winter AllergiesWith indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside.

Spring AllergiesThere's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits.

Summer AllergiesSummer allergies are usually triggered by pollen from grasses and weeds.

Fall AllergiesRagweed, mold, and dust mites are the biggest allergy triggers in the fall.

Winter AllergiesWith indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside.

Hay FeverHay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an immune disorder presented by an allergic response to pollen grains and other substances.

Mold AllergyAll of us are exposed to some mold every day, usually, without problems. If you have allergies to it, you can have a reaction.

Dust AllergyFor creatures you can't even see, dust mites can stir up a lot of trouble.

Dog AllergyFor a person with dog allergies, life in a dog-loving country isn't easy. Roughly 37%-47% of American households have a dog.

Cat AllergyAbout 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.

Managing Food Allergies with XolairXolair can make it less stressful and less dangerous to have serious food allergies.

Milk AllergyIf you have a milk allergy, avoiding milk and food containing milk and milk products is the only way to prevent a reaction.

Casein AllergyIf a glass of milk or slice of pizza causes swollen lips, hives, or other symptoms, you may have an allergy to casein.

Egg AllergyEgg allergies are more common in children than in adults. Reactions range from mild to severe.

Wheat AllergyIt can be a challenge to avoid wheat because it’s in so many things.

Nut AllergyIf you have a nut allergy, avoiding nuts, including peanuts and tree nuts, and food with nuts is the way to prevent a reaction.

Seafood AllergyIf 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 SensitivitySulfites are a group of sulfur-based compounds that may occur naturally or may be added to food as an enhancer and preservative.

Soy AllergyA 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 AngioedemaHives 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 SumacPoison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol.

Allergies to Insect StingsBee, 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.

Cosmetic AllergiesCertain ingredients in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens and trigger an allergic reaction.

Nickel AllergyA nickel allergy is a skin reaction that develops after exposure to nickel or items containing the metal.

Eye AllergiesMillions of Americans have allergies. Most of those millions have symptoms involving their eyes.

Drug AllergiesMany medications can cause side effects, and certain ones can trigger allergies.

Aspirin (Salicylate) AllergyIf you're allergic to chemicals called salicylates, you may need to avoid certain foods, medicines, and other products.

Penicillin AllergyPenicillin has been a go-to drug to clear up bacterial infections. But some people get a bad reaction from taking it.

Tests & Diagnosis

Treatment

Types of Allergy DrugsLearn 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.

How Decongestants WorkWhen allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally won't help. But a decongestant might.

Nasal Sprays for AllergiesWhen allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills.

Types of Allergy DrugsLearn 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.

How Decongestants WorkWhen allergies make your nose stuffed up, an antihistamine generally won't help. But a decongestant might.

Nasal Sprays for AllergiesWhen allergies strike, nasal sprays can help. There are many different types, and most work faster than pills.

Allergy Eye DropsAllergy eyedrops are liquid medicines used to treat symptoms of eye allergies.

Leukotriene InhibitorsMontelukast (Singulair) is a drug that relieves allergy symptoms and is also used to prevent asthma attacks.

Allergy ShotsAllergy shots are one form of immunotherapy for allergies. You get the shots in a doctor’s office.

Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal PolypsBiologics 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.

Non-Drug Treatments for AllergiesNatural treatments can't replace allergy medications, but they can work alongside them.

Allergy-Proof Your EnvironmentMedicines help treat allergy symptoms once they strike. But these easy steps can help you avoid having an attack.

Dehumidifiers for AllergiesMold, mildew, and dust mites don’t have to make you miserable. A home dehumidifier can help you breathe again.

Dust Mite Mattress and Pillow CoversSpecial mattress and pillow covers can protect against dust mites, microscopic creatures that can trigger dust allergies.

Avoiding Food Allergy TriggersFood allergies can be serious, but you can manage them. One of the best things you can do is avoid your trigger foods.

Appointment Prep

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