If you're constantly sneezing or have a runny nose due to allergies, you know how frustrating it can be, affecting your confidence and personality. But did you know that you can identify your allergy risk in advance and take preventive measures through DNA testing? This article will explore what allergies are, their causes, and how you can manage and prevent them, so you can live a more comfortable life again.

Understanding Allergies: What Are They? And how to prevent it?

What is allergy?

An allergy is an immune system response to foreign substances, known as allergens, which the body identifies as threats. These allergens can be anything from pollen, pet dander, to sudden weather changes. When the immune system detects these foreign substances, it reacts by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like a runny nose or sneezing.

The body then activates mast cells, which release histamines, causing typical allergic symptoms such as itching, swelling, or irritation in the skin, respiratory tract, or mucus membranes.

Common Allergens: What Triggers Allergies?

Allergic reactions can be caused by a variety of common allergens, including:

• Dust
• Animal dander
• Mold
• Pollen
• Certain foods (milk, eggs, soy, shellfish)
• Insect venom (bees, wasps)
• Certain medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs)

The severity of allergic reactions depends on the allergen and how much exposure you’ve had to it. For example, inhaling pollen might result in sneezing and nasal congestion, while ingesting an allergenic food may cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Credit: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/allergy 

Types of Allergies and Their Symptoms

There are different types of allergies based on the allergen. Let’s look at a few:

1. Skin Allergy
Allergic reactions on the skin may result from contact with latex, pet dander, or even insect bites, leading to rashes, itching, or swelling.

2. Allergic Rhinitis (Airborne Allergies)
Commonly known as hay fever, this type of allergy occurs when the nasal tissue becomes inflamed due to environmental triggers like sudden weather changes or pollen. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.

3. Animal Allergy
Some people are allergic to proteins found in animal dander, urine, or saliva, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and even asthma.

4. Insect Allergy
Allergic reactions to insect stings or even contact with cockroaches can trigger symptoms like hives, nasal congestion, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

5. Dust Allergy
Household dust, dust mites, and mold can easily trigger sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy skin, or shortness of breath.

6. Food Allergy
About 4–6% of children and 4% of adults suffer from food allergies, with common triggers being milk, eggs, peanuts, and shellfish. Symptoms may include hives, shortness of breath, vomiting, and even anaphylaxis.

7. Drug Allergy
Some medications, like antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like a skin rash, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.

How to Test for Allergies

If you're unsure what you are allergic to, you can undergo allergy testing. Two common methods are:

1. Skin Prick Test: This involves pricking the skin with potential allergens to observe any allergic reactions.
2. Blood Test (IgE Test): This measures the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood, which helps determine what allergens your body is reacting to.
   Allergy Treatment

The basic treatment for allergies involves avoiding known allergens and using medication to manage symptoms, such as:

• Antihistamines
• Nasal sprays
• Asthma medications
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Preventing Allergies: Understand Your Risk Through DNA Testing

Some people develop allergies early in life, while others only experience symptoms later. Wouldn’t it be better if you could know your risk and plan your health accordingly? With modern genetic testing, such as Geneus DNA, you can analyze your DNA to understand your risk for various allergies.

Geneus DNA testing can reveal your predisposition to a range of allergies, from dust mites (tested through the IL10 gene) to pollen allergies (tested through the LRRC32 and IL1RL1 genes). This helps you and your family take proactive steps to avoid allergens and better manage any existing symptoms. Moreover, you can access over 500 health-related results and track your reports through the Geneus DNA app for life.