Symptoms and Treatments for Allergies

Symptoms of allergic reactions are often classified as "localized" or "generalized."

• Localized reactions  occur in a particular spot on the body, such as a small rash.
• Generalized reactions occur to several bodily systems or to the entire body, such as anaphylaxis.
  

If you believe you are suffering from allergies, a doctor can diagnose your specific allergy by reviewing your history of symptoms and, if necessary, preforming an allergy test.  

Based on the medical diagnosis, your doctor will recommend specific treatment to minimize the frequency and severity of your allergic reactions. In some cases, as with a food or drug allergy, you can avoid the offending allergen. For allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, house mold or dander, completely avoiding the allergen can be difficult. You may be prescribed specific drugs to treat your symptoms, but you can also take steps on your own to control your allergy.

The symptoms of allergies can make life miserable, and when combined with severe asthma, they can be life threatening. The Allergy Treatment Tool is a decision support tool designed to help you understand the treatment options that suit your condition and possible side effects.

This section is divided into multiple articles, covering topics such as common allergy symptoms and improving air quality, with each listed in the menu to the left. To research other allergy or health topics, please use the morefocus search tool, or see the related topics listed to the left.