An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens."

You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don't cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. Your body's overreaction to the allergens is what causes symptoms (see the box below for a list of symptoms). For example, sometimes the term "hay fever" is used to describe your body's allergic reaction to seasonal allergens in the air, such as grass or pollen.

What part of the body is contacted by the allergen plays a role in the symptoms you develop. For example, allergens that are breathed in often cause a stuffy nose, itchy nose and throat, mucus production, cough, or wheezing. A food allergen can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or a severe, life-threatening reaction. Allergies to plants often cause a skin rash. Drug allergies usually involve the whole body and can lead to a variety of symptoms.

An Allergy is your immune system's abnormal reaction to contact with a specific substance. It's your body's reaction and the chemicals it releases, that cause the sneezing, rash, or irritation etc.

It is not the foreign substance or organism itself that causes this but your body's own immune system overreacting. Usually this is an overreaction to histamine, a chemical that the body releases to fight microbial invaders.

An effective allergy treatment is a concern for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies or asthma. Like many other medical conditions, allergies are affecting a growing portion of society.

The primary treatment of food allergies involves avoidance of the specific food to which a person is allergic. If the culprit food is accidentally eaten, aggressive treatment of the subsequent reaction with antihistamines and epinephrine may be necessary. Being prepared to recognize and treat an allergic reaction from food allergies may be the most important aspect of the treatment of food allergies.

One of the most popular treatments for seasonal allergies is Claritin allergy medication. It's usually used to treat an allergy to pollen, which is commonly known as hay fever. Claritin is an antihistamine and works by relieving the symptoms. These symptoms include; Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, coughing and headache.

There are many drugs available to treat the common symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, itchy mouth and sneezing. Many of these treatments are available over the counter. Ask your pharmacist or GP for advice.

Antihistamines treat allergies by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it is under attack from an allergen. Antihistamines can be taken in tablet, cream and liquid form. They can also be taken in the form of eye drops and nasal drops.