With roughly 50 million people in the United States suffering from allergies, it is one of the major causes of illness in the country.  Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance (for example, a certain food, pollen, or pet dander), causing variable symptoms including nasal congestion, postnasal drip, pain or pressure in the face, sneezing, headaches, itchy eyes, itchy ears and much more.  

When a person comes into contact with a trigger (pollen, mold, or something else), the body creates a protein antibody called IgE.  These antibodies identify an allergen as a foreign substance and potentially harmful.  They latch onto the allergen and cause release of histamine and other chemicals into the blood.  This then results in a variety of allergy symptoms that may affect the airway, sinuses, nasal passages, digestive system, and skin.  Hay fever refers to allergies affecting the upper airway and includes sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure pain, and a runny nose.  Food allergies can result in tingling around the mouth, localized or generalized swelling, rashes or hives involving the throat, tongue, face, lips or body.  Drug allergies can result in wheezing, rashes, hives, joint pain, and more.  Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes shortness of breath, chest tightness, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and can potentially be life threatening.  The first time you notice such symptoms, it is important to contact an ENT doctor or emergency room immediately.