Allergies affect the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and upper air passages. They can cause itchy, watery, red eyes, sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy throat and mouth. There are several different kinds of allergies, but the one most of us are familiar with is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. This allergic condition occurs during the spring and fall when you breathe in certain allergens. Typical allergens that cause seasonal allergic rhinitis are grass and tree pollens, molds and ragweed pollen.
Many people suffer from allergies year-round.
This is called perennial allergic rhinitis. If you have perennial allergic rhinitis, you are sensitive to allergens that you encounter every day, such as dust mites, animal dander and indoor molds. Hives, which may also be called chronic idiopathic urticaria by your healthcare provider, are red, itchy, swollen areas of the skin caused by an allergic reaction. Allergies are among the most common conditions experienced by Americans. As the sixth most common chronic condition, allergies affect as many as 40 million people.