Human life would have been simpler if we weren’t threatened by the onset of diseases every once in a while. However, with the right kind of lifestyle that involves eating healthy food and exercising regularly, we can lead an “almost” disease-free life. The right kind of food and our attempts to maintain the perfect body weight goes a long way in strengthening our immune system. One can think of our immune system as the guardian of our entire system. A healthy immune system helps keep a lot of diseases at bay. Thus, we are capable of thwarting certain diseases with the help of a strong immune system.

Have you ever given a thought what the consequences will be if our immune system is the one that becomes the cause of our misery? Well, if the immune system is the culprit of the misery inflicted on you, it results in allergies.

What causes allergies?
Certain harmless elements in the environment can trigger an allergy. The immune system is known to protect the body against viruses and bacteria. However, when these harmless elements enter the body, the immune system mistakes them for some malicious agents and begins attacking them. This reaction of the immune system is the root cause of allergies. The allergens are basically harmless elements, but it’s the immune system’s reaction to it that causes allergies.

What are the most common allergens?
The most common allergens are nothing but some of the elements that we come across so many times in our lives. Some of them are as follows:

• Certain foods can cause allergy. For example, nuts, fish, fruits, etc.
• If you own a pet, the cause of your allergy might be pet dander.
• Sometimes, certain medicines can trigger an allergic reaction in an individual.
• Pollen allergy is one of the most common kinds of allergies.
• Insect bites are also known to trigger allergic reactions in people.

What are the common signs of an allergy?
Like every other disease or ailment that affects the human body, the symptoms and signs of it are visible before the disease affects the body in a full-fledged manner. One can detect and conclude whether they are allergic to certain elements when they show the following signs of an allergy.

• Hives  – If an individual eats something that doesn’t agree with his system or gets bitten by an insect, as an allergic reaction, the person might get hives all over the body. Hives are angry, red rashes that appear on the skin when some food or insect triggers an allergy. These rashes are itchy or appear in the form of skin-colored welts. If a person develops hives after eating something, it can be considered to be a sign of allergy.
• Scratchy throat- Many times, a scratchy throat is not the harbinger of the common cold. Instead, it is one of the signs of an allergy. Pollen or dust is known to cause uncontrollable sneezing, and a scratchy throat follows.
• Itching- Constant itching is one of the most common signs of an allergy. If you apply some body lotion that doesn’t suit your skin or you eat something that you aren’t aware you are allergic to, your skin might start itching instantly. People with sensitive skin usually suffer from this kind of allergic reactions.
• Rashes- Eating or applying any kind of cream you aren’t familiar can trigger the appearance of rashes on the skin. At times, certain medicines too can cause rashes on the surface of the skin. These rashes can be quite painful; therefore, seeking timely medical help can reduce the individual’s misery.
• Nasal congestion – People usually mistake nasal congestion as the accomplice of a common cold; however, when one suffers from nasal congestion out of the blue, it might indicate that the person is allergic to something. Usually, people who are allergic to pollen and dust show nasal congestion as a sign of an allergy.
• Itchy or watery eyes – Many of us have watery eyes when we are running a fever or have cold. However, itchy and watery eyes are signs of an allergy that most are still unaware of. Pollen, dust, and even pet dander can create the urge to rub your eyes or can cause it to water. The sensation isn’t a pleasant one.
• Diarrhea- One of the severe signs of an allergy is diarrhea. For instance, some people are allergic to shellfish and remain unaware of it. If the person eats shellfish, it will disturb their digestion, and the person will eventually suffer from diarrhea. Diarrhea is indicative of an underlying allergy.
• Nausea – Nausea is one of the signs of an allergy. When a person eats or drinks something they are allergic to, they might end up feeling nauseous. This constant urge to vomit is quite bothersome, but with the right kind of treatment, it can be kept at bay. The easiest way to avoid feeling nauseous is to keep away from foods that trigger this sensation.