Allergies Allergies are basically reactions to a normally harmless substance such as pollen, molds, animal dander, latex, certain foods and insect stings. Allergy symptoms range from mild – rash or hives, itchiness, runny nose, watery/red eyes – to life-threatening.  Most allergies are inherited. Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesn’t completely end the allergic reaction. Immunotherapy (“allergy shot therapy”) or allergy oral immunotherapy is recommended if symptoms aren’t adequately controlled with a combination of avoidance measures and regular medication use. Allergies can’t be cured, but symptoms can be controlled using a combination of avoidance measures and medications, as well as allergen immunotherapy in properly selected cases.