Allergy is closely associated with the way your body's immune system responds to external factors like dust, pollen grains, food, etc. Very common and often ignored symptoms like running nose, irritation in eyes or palate to skin rash are also allergies. An allergy can be attributed to immune system over reacting to normally harmless substances. An allergy may aggravate the sense of smell, sight, taste or touch causing irritation, disability or even may be fatal. Allergies are caused by substances in environment. These agents, termed allergens, could be pollen dust, mites, dogs, cats, insects, chemicals or even food items like milk or egg.  If proper medication is not taken, an allergy may take the form of asthma, eczema, headaches, lethargy, conjunctivitis, etc.

How to recognize if I've allergy ?

Allergy can be easily recognized by its symptoms like running nose, irritation in eyes or palate to skin rash. Other symptoms are atopic dermatitis which is characterized by itching, blisters and red  and dry rashes. Food allergies may induce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea, breathing difficulties (asthma symptoms), runny nose, sneezing, and lightheadedness. Another very acute and severe allergy that is known in children is Anaphylaxis which may prove fatal. Coughing, wheezing, running short of breath and chest tightness are other major identifiers of Allergies.

What are the precautions to be taken while suffering from an allergy condition ?

Make sure you know what medicines or allergens your body responds do. Always consult a physician and ensure that you make him aware of any allergy history and the drugs you are allergic to. You might have to try the trial and error method to zero in on to the allergen. Seek medical attention if you show any allergy symptoms.

What are common drugs that may cause allergies?

Sulfa drugs, penicillin injections, phenylbutazone, eye drops like brimonidine, neomycin and fluorescein dyes used in fundus fluorescein angiography are common known drugs causing allergic reactions.