A person experiences allergies when the immune system responds to harmless and safe substances causing unfavorable reactions. The substances can include dust mites, pollen, dander, chemical substances, or certain food items. The most common allergic reactions include rashes, hives, runny nose, sneezing, or swelling in the eyes; in rare cases, it can turn fatal. Allergies are a chronic condition, but some people may grow out of food allergies as they grow.

Causes of allergies and the most common allergens
A person may be allergic to only a few of the allergens, and they can find out what they are allergic to through a simple skin or blood test. The things that cause allergies are called allergens and can be found everywhere in the food, indoors and outdoors. The most common allergens that cause allergies include:

• Pollen
• Fumes
• Chemicals
• Disinfectants
• Surfactants and brighteners in cleaning products
• Dust and dust mites
• Pet fur and dander
• Food like peanuts, soy, eggs, kiwi, peach, shellfish
• Mold
• Insect stings
• Cosmetic products
• Latex

Allergy signs and symptoms
The intensity of symptoms of allergies varies from one person to another. While one may have just one symptom, some experience multiple symptoms together. The most common allergy symptoms are:

• Tightness of chest
• Cough
• Itching in the skin and eyes
• Watery eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Recurring headache
• Rashes, hives, and bumps on the skin

Allergy treatment
If the symptoms are severe, doctors will treat you with emergency oral or intravenous prescriptions. If you do not know what caused the allergy, they will recommend a skin test or a blood examination to find the cause. Doctors recommend topical creams for skin care, antihistamines to control itch, and other treatments to help you breathe easier.

Immunotherapy is a preventive treatment option where doctors introduce the body to the allergen or the trigger in incremental doses till the person becomes less sensitive. It also reduces inflammation that causes chest tightness and breathlessness.

Allergy remedies
By preventing exposure to what you are allergic to, you can reduce the dependency on long-term treatment and avoid troublesome symptoms. While you cannot control some of the triggers, you can take the following allergy remedies to prevent or improve your symptoms.

• Avoid contact with known allergens and triggers using protective gear like masks and gloves.
• Read labels while buying groceries or ask the hotels if their food contains any food you are allergic to.
• Maintain an allergy journal and note down your daily activities and the food you eat to gradually understand what causes your allergies and avoid exposure to them.
• Avoid being outdoors during the pollen season.
• Vacuum your house, particularly upholstery and furniture, regularly.
• Use professional cleaning services to remove mold, fungus, and other household triggers.
• Switch to natural household cleaning products.
• Train your pets and keep them clean and well-groomed.

Food that helps with allergies
No specific food or meal plan can stop or cure allergies, but some foods can help manage and improve symptoms and help build immunity to fight the allergens. They include:

• Probiotics like homemade yogurt
• Spices like anise, fennel, and hot mustard
• Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables
• Quercetin-rich apples, onions, red wine, and tea
• Magnesium-rich foods like almonds and cashews