If you suffer from a runny, itchy nose, sore red eyes, sinus headaches, a lack of mid-day energy, morning "dry mouth" or snore then you probably suffer from the number one chronic health complaint across the western world: allergy.

What is allergy?

Allergy is simply your immune system attempting to protect you against what it thinks is a harmful substance entering or touching your body. However in the case of allergy it has mistakenly aggressively attacked actually innocuous substances such as dust, mold, or pollen.

The immune system generates large amounts of the antibodies called immunoglobin E (IgE), a complex chemical weapon, to attack and destroy the supposed enemy. In this disease-fighting process, inflammatory chemicals like histamines, cytokines, and leukotrienes are released or produced, causing the sufferer to have allergic reactions, anything from mucous production to hyperventilation. Occurring anywhere wherever the immune system antibodies exist in the body, for instance, in the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs, allergic reactions can be very painful and distressing and in extreme cases, even life-threatening.

Common complaints are: rhinitis - nasal stuffiness, sneezing and itching, allergic conjunctivitis - red, itchy, watery eyes, atopic dermatitis - red, itchy, dry skin, urticaria - hives or itchy welts, contact dermatitis - itchy rash, asthma (airway problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing).

Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status can be affected by allergies. Generally, allergies are more common in children, however, a first-time occurrence can happen at any age, or recur after many years of remission.

Allergies may possibly be genetically linked, although the exact genetic factors that cause it are not yet fully understood. Factors such as hormones, stress, smoke, perfume, or other environmental irritants may also play a role. Often, the symptoms of allergies develop gradually over a period of time. Allergy sufferers may become so accustomed to chronic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or wheezing, that they do not consider their symptoms to be unusual. Yet, with the help of an allergist, these symptoms can usually be prevented or controlled and quality of life greatly improved.

Treatments:

If not treated, allergy symptoms can internalise and go from simple hay fever-like symptoms to an almost constant feeling of being drugged. This can even worsen to a point where it is almost impossible to get out of bed.

Some allergies - such as a mild case of hay fever - may not require any treatment, or may be controlled with the occasional use of over-the-counter medications.

Others may interfere with your day-to-day activities, lessen your quality of life, or even become life threatening. In these cases, you should see a physician to help you manage the diseases and their symptoms.