Known as the 21st century disease, allergies are diverse in their types. In America alone, 50 million Americans suffer from an allergy, making allergies the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.  

Allergies can happen any time of year. They may be "seasonal," which means you get them only in the spring or fall. Or they may be year-round. For instance, you might be allergic to pets or mold, which can be a problem no matter the season.

These are the most common triggers of allergy:

• Certain foods, such as nuts, lactose etc.
• Some flowers, blossom, pollen etc.
• Animals
• Certain meds
• Cleaning products
• Household products, such as cosmetics, sunscreens, hair dye, creams, antiperspirants, etc.
• Certain materials, such as nickel, silver, latex etc.
• Rare: sperm, hormone allergy  

There can be medical, animal, and skin allergies, as well as contact dermatitis and many more.

What are the typical symptoms of allergy?

• Itching: localized, widespread, or itching of eyes or face
• Difficulty breathing
• Sinusitis
• Rash
• Congestion
• Varying degrees of swelling of the mouth, throat, and tongue that can make breathing and swallowing difficult
• Hives
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mental confusion or dizziness
• Conjunctivitis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include flushing; a tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips; light-headedness, and chest-tightness. If not treated, these can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, and respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis can result in death. If you spot any of these symptoms in you or someone else, contact the emergency services immediately.