| Allergies are a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you're sneezing uncontrollably, experiencing itchy eyes, or dealing with skin rashes, allergies can significantly impact your daily life. In this article, we'll explore what allergies are, common types of allergens, symptoms, and tips for managing allergies. We'll also introduce some essential Chinese vocabulary related to allergies.  What Are Allergies? Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is usually harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, dust, pet dander, certain foods, or even medications. When your body encounters an allergen, it produces antibodies to fight it, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, swelling, or even more severe reactions like asthma or anaphylaxis. Common Types of Allergens and Their Chinese Names 1. Pollen (花粉—huā fěn). Pollen is one of the most common allergens, especially during spring and summer. It comes from trees, grasses, and flowers and can cause hay fever (花粉热—huā fěn rè), also known as allergic rhinitis. 2. Dust Mites (尘螨—chén mǎn). Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in household dust. They are a common cause of year-round allergies and asthma. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. 3. Pet Dander (宠物皮屑—chǒng wù pí xiè). Pet dander is the dead skin cells shed by animals like cats and dogs. It can trigger allergic reactions in some people, causing symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and skin rashes. 4. Food Allergens (食物过敏原—shí wù guò mǐn yuán). Certain foods can cause allergic reactions. Common food allergens include peanuts (花生—huā shēng), milk (牛奶—niú nǎi), eggs (鸡蛋—jī dàn), and shellfish (海鲜—hǎi xiān). Symptoms can range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis. 5. Insect Stings (昆虫叮咬—kūn chóng dīng yǎo). Bites or stings from insects like bees, wasps, or ants can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Common Symptoms of Allergies 1. Sneezing (打喷嚏—dǎ pēn tì) 2. Itchy Eyes (眼睛痒—yǎn jīng yǎng) 3. Runny Nose (流鼻涕—liú bí tì) 4. Skin Rash (皮疹—pí zhěn) 5. Difficulty Breathing (呼吸困难—hū xī kùn nán) Tips for Managing Allergies The first step in managing allergies is to identify what triggers your symptoms. You can visit an allergist for testing to determine your specific allergens. Once you know your allergens, try to avoid them. For example, if you're allergic to pollen, stay indoors on high-pollen days, and keep windows closed. Air purifiers can help reduce indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander, making your home more comfortable. Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines (抗组胺药—kàng zǔ àn yào) can help relieve symptoms. For severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or allergy shots. Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus and reduce congestion, making it easier to breathe. Regularly clean your home to reduce dust and allergens. Vacuum carpets, wash bedding, and keep surfaces clean. |
| FOLLOW US： |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |