There are different types of allergies as well as different types of symptoms one can experience. The most common symptoms of an allergy affect the following body organs: nose, sinuses, eyes, airways, ears, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. If we were to determine the types of allergies based on the symptoms that go with them, we can come up with three groups: respiratory, skin, and anaphylaxis.

The respiratory types of allergies are allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. These may affect the nose, sinuses, and airways of the sufferer’s body. For example, allergic rhinitis, which is the irritation and inflammation of an internal part of the nose, may have, among other symptoms, a runny or stuffy nose, some sneezing, a scratchy throat, etc. Allergic asthma, on the other hand, affects the airways in such a way that it causes breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Allergy relief products such as antihistamines can help eliminate both.

Allergies that trigger a reaction on the skin usually produce rashes. However, eczema, which is one of the common skin allergies, may sometimes be non-allergic in nature. Other skin allergies are hives (also known as urticaria) and contact dermatitis. Hives are very itchy rashes that can range from small bumps to angry welts in appearance. Contact dermatitis is usually brought on by exposure to plants, such as poison ivy, poison sumac, or poison oak, and allergenic materials, such as latex and nickel. There are allergy relief products that can treat the symptoms of the types of allergies involving the skin, but it is best to consult a dermatologist regarding these.

Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergy symptom. There are several types of allergies that can cause anaphylactic shock, which can kill a person if not addressed immediately. Anaphylactic shock may be caused by eating shellfish, eggs, and nuts; being stung by

some insects; and being given antibiotics. Hypotension (low blood pressure), losing consciousness, angioedema (swelling of the face and neck), vomiting, and respiratory distress are some symptoms of anaphylaxis. There are allergy relief products specifically designed to counter anaphylaxis, but they must be given immediately to the victim.

It will benefit everyone to verse himself with information about different types of allergies as well as the corresponding allergy relief products. One may not have allergies himself, but chances are he still has to deal with them through the people around him. Being informed can certainly avert an unpleasant, if not potentially fatal, incident.