1 of 5 / Overview
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- What Is an Allergy?- 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. 
- 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. 
- Allergies and Asthma- Worsening of asthma symptoms can be triggered by allergies, which can temporarily increase the inflammation of the airways. 
2 of 5 / Symptoms & Types
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- Spring Allergies- 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. 
- Fall Allergies- 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. 
3 of 5 / Tests & Diagnosis
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- 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. 
- 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. 
- Allergy Skin Test- 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. 
4 of 5 / Treatment
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- Types of Allergy Drugs- 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. 
- How Decongestants Work- 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. 
5 of 5 / Appointment Prep
View All- 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. 
- 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. 
Suggested Reads about Allergies
- Are You Overusing Nasal Spray?- Nasal sprays may ease nasal congestion, but overusing them can backfire into a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa. 
- Images of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac- You may know to look for poison ivy's three-leaf stem, but what else do you know about rash-causing plants? WebMD explores myths and facts of poison plants. 
- Reasons Why Your Face Looks Swollen- It’s not always easy to figure out what makes your face swell up. Find out about the possible causes. 
- Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction- Find out from webMD's slideshow how to tell if you or someone near you is having a severe allergic reaction. 
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