Allergic diseases are characterized by an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals.

These substances, called “allergens,” can trigger sneezing, wheezing, coughing, itching, and worse. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in America with an annual cost exceeding $10 billion in direct medical expenses and indirectexpenses including missed days and reduced productivity at work and school. Allergies complicate and even handicap the lives of nearly 50 million children and adults. People with allergies can be of any race, age or sex. Currently, there is no cure for allergies.

Allergies are often grouped into types based on the kind of allergy trigger, time of the year or where symptoms appear on the body: indoor/outdoor allergies (also known as “hay fever” and “seasonal,” “perennial” or “nasal” allergies), food and drug allergies, latex allergies, insect allergies, skin allergies and eye allergies.

There are more treatment options than ever before including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription (RX) options and immunotherapy strategies, but there is still much research that needs to be done to fully understand how to prevent, treat and cure allergic disorders. However, with proper management, people with allergies can live healthy and active lives.

What are Allergies? |  What Causes Allergies? | Diagnosing Allergies | Treatment | Prevention

What Are Allergies?

Allergies reflect an overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals. These substances can trigger sneezing, wheezing, coughing and itching. Allergies are not only bothersome, but many have been linked to a variety of common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses (such as sinusitis and asthma). Additionally, allergic reactions can be severe and even fatal. However, with proper management and patient education, allergic diseases can be controlled, and people with allergies can lead normal and productive lives.

Common Allergies:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever or “indoor/outdoor”, “seasonal,” “perennial” or “nasal” allergies): Characterized by nasal stuffiness, sneezing, nasal itching, clear nasal discharge, and itching of the roof of the mouth and/or ears.
• Allergic asthma (asthma symptoms triggered by an allergic reaction): Characterized by airway obstruction that is at least partially reversible with medication and is always associated with allergy. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, chest tightness, and occasional fatigue and slight chest pain.
• Food Allergy: Most prevalent in very young children and frequently outgrown, food allergies are characterized by a broad range of allergic reactions. Symptoms may include itching or swelling of lips or tongue; tightness of the throat with hoarseness; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; occasionally chest tightness and wheezing; itching of the eyes; decreased blood pressure or loss of consciousness and anaphylaxis.
• Drug Allergy: Characterized by a variety of allergic responses affecting any tissue or organ. Drug allergies can cause anaphylaxis; even those patients who do not have life-threatening symptoms initially may progress to a life-threatening reaction.