Allergies

Allergies are super common, and they can leave you feeling like total garbage. They're the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S., affecting some 50 million of us every year, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI).

Although tons of people have allergies, they're not always easy to identify and treat. For example, allergy symptoms can be mistaken for a cold or skin condition. Or you might suspect allergies are causing your discomfort, but can't figure out what in the world you're allergic to.

This guide to understanding allergies can help you learn what's going on. Below, you’ll find details about various allergy symptoms, types of allergies, and treatment options. Read on to finally find allergy relief.

Amanda K Bailey

Your immune system is responsible for keeping you healthy, and it does so by attacking potentially harmful viruses and bacteria, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Allergic reactions occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks a normally harmless substance, such as pollen or food. Think of it like a false alarm that leads to uncomfortable symptoms, e.g., runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. In some cases, allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

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Your immune system acts a lot like a bodyguard—it tries to prevent things like the common cold virus from making you sick. Sometimes your bodyguard is a bit overzealous and fights benign substances. There are four types of allergic reactions, and the way your immune system reacts is a bit different for each. For the most common type of allergic reaction, which includes responses to things like food and pollen, your immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE then tells your body to release chemicals called antihistamines, which in turn leads to allergic reaction symptoms, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).