Allergies

As springtime approaches, many people start to sneeze and cough. Eyes water and itch, noses run and misery abounds. TV and radio commercials for seasonal allergy medication multiply.

But allergies don't only happen in spring, and they are not all related to the weather. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases estimates that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases; and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States. If you suffer from allergies, you are not alone!

• What is an allergy?
• How do I know if I have an allergy?
• Allergies vs. colds
• How are allergies treated?

What is an allergy?

An allergy is your body’s response to a certain substance. This happens because your body mistakenly thinks that the substance is dangerous to you. Your immune system might overreact, and cause many irritating symptoms. People have allergic reactions to food, environmental substances (such as pollen, dust, animal dander and clothing fibers) and even to medications.

Allergic reactions affect the respiratory system and skin, and in extreme cases, allergies can affect the heart and lungs. People with severe allergies can even die if they encounter the substance that causes their particular reaction.
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How do I know if I have an allergy?

Allergies are usually diagnosed and treated by medical specialists called allergists. An allergist can evaluate your symptoms and perform a skin or blood test to determine if you have allergies, and if so, the specific substances to which you are allergic.

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Allergies vs. colds

Allergy symptoms can seem to be just like cold symptoms, and vice versa. Colds, however, are caused by viruses, while allergies are reactions to substances that are not normally harmful.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, colds can include fevers, aches, pains, and symptoms similar to those caused by allergies (such as a stuffy head). Colds can clear up within several days to a week, while allergies can last throughout a lifetime.

Common Symptoms

• Congestion


• Rashes


• Itching (of eyes or face)


• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

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How are allergies treated?

Allergies can be most easily treated by avoiding the substance that causes the reaction. However, this is not always easy. Other treatments may involve taking medications, either orally or by injection, to help ease the symptoms. Your allergist may also recommend that you take a series of "allergy shots," the common term for allergen immunotherapy. Allergy shots can help desensitize your body to the allergy-triggering substance.

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