An allergy is an abnormal reaction from a persons immune system against a normally harmless substance. A person without allergies will not react to the substance, but a person with allergies will. When someone with allergies encounters the substance, their body reacts by releasing chemicals that will cause allergy symptoms. In some cases just because someone has a reaction to something after encountering it doesn't always mean that they are allergic to it. For example, some medications carry side affects. If a person experiences a side affect it doesn't mean that the person is allergic to that medication.

There are all different types of allergies. There are skin allergies, lung allergies, and nose and eye allergies.

When a person experiences an allergic reaction, the substance causing the allergy or allergen binds to the allergic antibodies on allergic cells in a persons body including mast cells and basophils. Mast cells are mucous membranes of the skin, lungs, and eyes. A basophil is a type of white blood cell.

There are three types of allergy symptoms, the mild symptoms, moderate symptoms, and severe symptoms. The mild symptoms are also the most common. People with allergies can experience symptoms such as a rash, itchy, watery, and dry eyes, and congestion.

Moderate symptoms are itchiness and difficulty breathing.

Severe symptoms are very rare but are known to happen. These symptoms can be life-threatening. It could start out to scratching at the eyes and then within a short time get progressively worse. Some symptoms could even include abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, swelling of the mouth and or throat which will result in difficulty breathing, and possibly mental confusion.

To diagnose if a person has an allergy or not, certain and specific tests can be performed. These tests can include a food allergy test, skin test, and blood test. Each test will target what allergens affect the person.

There are many medications that can treat allergies. Most of the time there will be a combination of medications that might be prescribed. Each medication targets specific symptoms, medications like eye drop for itchy irritated eyes, decongestants which can help with stuffy nose and head, and steroids may also be used. In more severe cases, allergy injections are offered as a treatment and preventative.

I personally suffer from allergies. I do not have them all year round like some people do. When I experience allergies I develop a cough, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sometime a nasal drip which is mucous dripping in the back of your throat. I also have noticed that when I lay down I have a hard time breathing and my nose become extremely stuffy. When I sit up I am fine. I also get sinus headaches, which form usually in the forehead area right above the eyebrows. My symptoms come and go. My allergies usually kick in during the spring and summer season, while other people have allergies throughout the entire year.

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