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An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.

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    Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Eczema Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic...learn more »
      In This Article
      Eczema Article
      • Eczema facts
      • What is eczema?
      • What are the causes of eczema?
      • What are risk factors for eczema?
      • What are eczema symptoms and signs in babies, children, and adults?
      • What are the different types of eczema?
      • How is eczema diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for eczema?
      • Can eczema be prevented?
      • What are the possible complications of eczema?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for eczema?
    • Sinus Infection Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sinus Infection Article
      • Sinus infection facts
      • What is a sinus?
      • What is a sinus infection?
      • What causes sinus infections?
      • What are the types of sinusitis?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of sinus infection?
      • How is sinus infection diagnosed?
      • How is sinus infection treated?
      • Are there home remedies for a sinus infection?
      • What are complications of sinus infection?
      • Can sinus infection be prevented?
      • Related sinus infection article:
        Sinus infection - on eMedicineHealth
    • Pink Eye Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the...learn more »
      In This Article
      Pink Eye Article
      • Pink eye facts
      • What is "pink eye"?
      • What infections cause pink eye, what are infectious pink eye symptoms, and how are they treated?
      • What noninfectious conditions cause pink eye, what are noninfectious pink eye symptoms, and how are they treated?
      • What are home treatments and care for pink eye?
      • How can I prevent the spread of pink eye?
    • Itching Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...learn more »
      In This Article
      Itching Article
      • Itching (itch) facts
      • What is an itch?
      • What are associated symptoms and signs of itching?
      • What causes itching?
      • How is the cause of itching diagnosed?
      • Should I scratch the itch?
      • What are topical (external) itch treatments? Are there any home remedies for itching?
      • What are oral itch treatments?
      • Can itching be prevented?
      • When should the doctor be consulted for itching?
      • What are possible complications of itching?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for itching?
    • Hives Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be...learn more »
      In This Article
      Hives Article
      • Hives facts
      • What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema?
      • What causes hives and angioedema?
      • What are the different kinds of hives?
      • What are the symptoms and signs of ordinary urticaria (ordinary hives)?
      • What are the causes of ordinary hives?
      • What are the causes of chronic hives?
      • Are there other conditions that mimic hives?
      • What is the treatment for hives?
      • Conclusion
    • Poison Ivy Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can...learn more »
      In This Article
      Poison Ivy Article
      • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac facts
      • What causes the rash? How do I identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of the poison ivy rash?
      • Is a rash from poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis contagious?
      • What are risk factors for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
      • How is the dermatitis of poison ivy, oak, and sumac diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
      • What are complications for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
      • How can contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac be prevented?
      • What should people do if they are exposed to a poisonous plant?

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Terms related to Allergy:

  • Allergies