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Allergy symptoms occur when your immune system overreacts to environmental substances, triggering a physical response. To attack the allergen, your immune system releases a chemical called a histamine into your bloodstream, which causes a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. The reliable staff at Columbia Hickory Pharmacy in Columbia, MD, is here to help you learn how to identify allergens and manage yours effectively.

Here are three common allergies and their symptoms:

  • Allergic Rhinitis: Also known as nasal allergies, allergic rhinitis affects millions of Americans each year. Sensitivity to airborne mold spores, trees, grass, and ragweed pollen can trigger allergic rhinitis, which affects the sinuses and nasal passages. Symptoms can include sneezing, red eyes, and a stuffy nose. You might feel like you have a cold.
  • AllergiesAnimal Allergies: Animal hair, dander, and saliva are common sources of pet allergens. A pet allergy can cause continual symptoms because exposure can happen at any time, even when the animal is not present, as their hair and dander is transported on your clothing. Symptoms can include nasal inflammation, sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes.
  • Food Allergies: Triggered by proteins, food allergies occur when your immune system identifies a harmless food substance as toxic. Shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, cow’s milk, and fish are common sources of allergies. Symptoms usually appear shortly after contact or ingestion and can include vomiting, hives, eczema, shortness of breath, and wheezing. 

If you need medication to treat your allergies, turn to Columbia Hickory Pharmacy. They have a wide variety of over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications available, and their knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you. Call this local drug store today at (410) 964-6409 to speak with a pharmacist, or visit their website to learn more about their products and services.

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