Doctors often have their own way of categorizing allergies.
Yet if you know the basic types you will have a better idea of what symptoms to look for and what you should be aware of.
The five general categories that many doctors use are: skin, chest, head, animal venom and digestive allergies.
Each one has its own symptoms and treatments so they need to be looked at individually.
Head allergies include sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic otitis.
Symptoms can include itchy, watery eyes; nasal congestion; sneezing; sinus headaches and chronic ear infections.
These allergies are often triggered by environmental conditions or food ingestion.
Over the counter medications may help control symptoms, if not speak to your physician as he can recommend other treatment options.
Chest allergies are often related to head ones and usually result from exposure to molds, mildews, animal dander or pollen.
The usual result of being exposed to these allergens is allergic asthma.
This can be life threatening so medical treatment is necessary.
Removal of the allergen is of utmost importance and must be done immediately.
Skin allergies are another type of allergy that many people are familiar with.
These allergies usually result in a red, itchy skin or hives and welts.
Common allergens include food products, poison ivy, sumac and sun exposure.
Conditions associated with skin allergies include atopic urticaria, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms may come and go, but the allergy will remain.
By avoiding exposure to know triggers, symptoms can often be controlled.
If they are interfering with normal life, or continue for an extended period of time, medical treatment will help control or eliminate symptoms.
Food allergies are not as common as many people believe.
Some may misdiagnosis food intolerance as a food allergy, but they are completely separate conditions.
Food allergies bring on symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, hives and anaphylaxis.
Common allergens include tree nuts, peanuts, soy, milk and eggs.
Avoidance of these triggers is essential, but medical treatment is also recommended.
Due to the threat of anaphylaxis, your doctor may recommend auto-injectable epinephrine as an emergency treatment.
Animal stings are a frequently seen allergen and must be treated medically.
The risk of anaphylaxis is great with this type of allergen so medical advice and a treatment plan are essential.
Allergens in this category include honey bee, yellow jacket, wasp, and yellow hornet stings.
When anaphylaxis occurs after an insect sting, circulatory collapse is common and emergency care is necessary.
As with any allergen, consult with your physician to determine what measures are best for you.