Allergies can come from various sources. This being the case, it is not quite easy to come up with a single treatment plan that covers every type of allergy. When you learn about the different types of allergies that you have a reaction to, you can make the best choice for you as far as treatments and prevention. Allergies can be separated into six main types. The different types of allergies include:

1. Respiratory allergies. Most people think of allergies as respiratory allergies. These can be caused by many different allergens, including dust, mold, mildew, pollen, and more. The most common symptoms of a respiratory allergy are sneezing, coughing, runny nose, dry and itchy throat, and watery eyes.

2. Asthma. Allergy-induced asthma is seeing a rise around the world. The sources for this are much the same as respiratory allergies, but the allergic response causes the air passages to become inflamed, which can cause wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

3. Food allergies. These allergens come from food. Most people react to a common list of foods. They include shellfish, cow’s milk, soy, peanuts, wheat, and berries. You can get minor symptoms of intolerance such as diarrhea and bloating, or an allergic reaction as severe as death.

4. Drug allergies. The most common drug allergies that people have include allergies to codeine, penicillin, and sulfa drugs. The common allergic reaction to these medications is hives, digestive problems, or a rash. In the most severe of drug allergies, anaphylactic shock could occur and possibly even death. That is why it is so important that you report any side effects that you have to prescription medications to your physician and your pharmacist.

5. Skin allergies. This type of allergy can be due to many different sources, including foods, drugs, pollen, stress, and insect stings. The allergic reaction shows up on your skin with hives, redness, a rash, swellings, or itchiness.

6. Insect sting allergies. This type of allergy occurs when a bee, fire ant, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket stings you and releases the poison into your body. Insect sting allergies can cause pain, itching and swelling at the site of the insect sting. In the most severe cases, an anaphylactic reaction could occur, which could possibly be fatal.

It is a good idea to keep a record of your observations as to what types of allergies that you think you have. Then, confirm this with your doctor by going for allergy tests. In this manner, you can come up with an appropriate treatment plan.

People who suffer from allergies of a specific type are usually prone to allergies from various other substances. These substances, called allergens, range from common indoor household substances like dust particles, mold and mildew, pet dander, chemical emissions from cleaning agents, to biological organisms found in carpeting and furnishings. Outdoor allergens can be pollen, dust and smog from pollution and noxious vapors, insect stings. Common foods which cause allergies are milk, fish, eggs and nuts. Although most allergic reactions are not life threatening, some can cause the patient’s blood pressure to plummet or a severe inability to breathe and thus can be fatal. Allergies cannot be cured but they can be treated. There are various types of allergies, some of which have been explained below.

Respiratory Allergies: Common symptoms of hay fever include itchy eyes, nose and throat, along with nasal congestions, coughing bouts and sneezing fits. Hay fever can be caused by a number of allergens including a variety of pollens, all spread by the wind, molds, dust, animal dander. Allergies caused by mold can be from spores in the air, especially found in warm climate or in damp environments like bathrooms and basements. These offending agents like pollen, spores, dust mites, irritating fibers from upholstery and carpets are carried by the air which we inhale.

Skin allergies: These can arise from a reaction to foods, pollen, drugs, insect stings, cold, heat, light and even emotional stress. Symptoms include eruption of hives or urticaria, where the skin erupts into red, itchy, swollen welts that can last from a few minutes to a few days. One may also develop Angioedema, in which there is a deeper swelling around the eyes and lips and sometimes in the hands and feet as well.

Food allergies: Commonly found in infants under two, it is sometimes hard to tell the exact substance that sets off the allergic reaction, as the reaction may be delayed, caused by food additives or maybe due to eating habits. Common offenders are cow’s milk, egg whites, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, berries, shellfish, corn and beans. Symptoms manifest themselves as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. There may be vomiting, swelling of the face and tongue, and respiratory congestion, as well as dizziness, sweating, and faintness.

Asthma: An allergy is one of the most common causes for asthma. Asthma can be caused by respiratory viruses, pollen allergies, mold, animal dander and dust. An allergy can cause the irritation, swelling and inflammation of the air passages, which causes asthma.

Drug allergies: If you’re allergic to some drug, it’s likely to be from antibiotics of the penicillin family. Antibiotics are the cause of most drug allergies, especially those containing sulfa drugs.

Insect sting allergies: Poison found in the stings of bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants is a common allergen.

Allergy is characterized by a sensitivity level that is usually higher than normal to specific substances called allergens. These allergens spark a response in vulnerable individuals and enter the body through numerous routes such as ingestion, inhalation, injection and skin contact.

Home Remedies for Allergies

Green tea: This common table tea has a natural antihistamine. Drink one or two cups a day and sweeten with honey. You can also use black tea, since it is from the same plant as green tea, but it isn’t as effective.

Honey: Make sure you purchase local honey. Use it to sweeten teas, or a small amount of it plain. Local honey can help you became resistant to certain pollens. The beneficial qualities of honey are lost, however, when it is cooked.

Crush 1 tbls of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water and 1-teaspoon limejuice. Apply this to affected areas for quick relief from skin allergies. This is another good home remedy for skin allergies.

Intake of vitamin C reduces the chances of allergies. 1000mg of the vitamin is recommended daily.

Drink a glass of water with two tablespoons of cider vinegar.

Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Tea. Allergy sufferers throughout the centuries have turned to hot tea to provide relief for clogged-up noses and irritated mucous membranes, and one of the best for symptom relief is peppermint tea. Peppermint’s benefits extend well beyond its delicious smell; the essential oil acts as a decongestant, and substances in peppermint contain anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial constituents.

To make peppermint tea: Place 1/2 ounce dried peppermint leaves in a 1-quart jar. Fill two-thirds of the jar with boiling water, and steep for five minutes. (You can inhale the steam for added benefit). Let cool, strain, sweeten if desired, and drink. (Note: Peppermint tea should be used with caution in children, as the menthol in peppermint may cause them to choke.)

Irrigate the nasal passage with a saline solution. This may help with upper respiratory problems by removing any irritants and may also remove some of the inflammatory cells. You can find ready made saline spray at most local retailers such as Wal-Mart, CVS, and many others. You may also make your own saline spray at home.

Honey has several medicinal qualities and has been used in medicines since many centuries for treating various illnesses. Honey has good potential to resist certain allergies and is the most recommended home remedies for allergies. Always take raw honey rather than adding to your cooking as it losses its medicinal qualities when it is cooked. Look for fresh honey collected in the farms instead of buying an artificial one. Ginger is one of the effective natural antihistamine and also a good decongestant. Take a small piece of fresh ginger, wash and cut it into small pieces after peeling the skin. Put the pieces into a small mug and pour a glass of boiling water in to it. After 10 minutes add few drops of honey if needed and drink the mixture slowly.