Allergies are caused as a result of abnormal reaction of the body to normal substances.
The substances that trigger allergies are called allergens and they may be of various types depending up on the individual who is suffering from allergies.
The causes of allergies are entirely patient specific and the allergen that causes allergies to one individual may be harmless to another individual who does not have allergic response to that particular type of allergies.
However, the symptoms of allergies are similar in all and the treatment process is also more or less similar.
Allergic rhinitis is the general term used to describe the allergic response of an individual to the allergens.
Allergy can affect both adults and children.
The common types of allergens are airborne allergens like pollen grains, dust and dust mites.
Patients may also develop allergic response to preservatives used in food and to certain food items themselves.
Shellfish allergy, for instance is a type of allergy that is caused by consumption of shellfish.
The best treatment of shellfish allergies is to avoid shellfish food items like crabs, lobsters, shrimps etc.
The patient may also try to grow a slow immunity to the allergens but this should be done under careful medical supervision.
A diet rich in ingredients such as fresh leafy green vegetables, fruits and fishes can help the body to grow the inherent immunity.
A main aspect of allergies is that it acts as triggers to asthma attacks.
The treatment of allergies can also act as cure for asthma.
An important point to note in this respect is that not only humans but also dogs and cats grow allergic responses and develop asthma.
The asthmatic symptoms of pets such as dogs and cats are similar to that of humans, namely the shortness of breath, wheezing sound in the chest etc.
Pets should also be treated of asthma attacks just like humans.