| Allergies are among the most common of medical | | | | body against harmful substances such as bacteria and |
| disorders. It is estimated that 60 million Americans, or | | | | viruses. |
| more than one in every five people, suffer from | | | | The symptoms of allergies can be just plain annoying, |
| some form of allergy, with similar proportions | | | | but some symptoms can be the sign of a fatal |
| throughout much of the rest of the world. Allergies | | | | reaction. Some people develop a rash when exposed |
| extremely common. Seasonal allergies (commonly | | | | to an allergen while other people who have eaten |
| called hay fever) alone affect at least 35.9 million | | | | peanuts and died because they had an allergic |
| Americans and account for approximately 16.7 million | | | | reaction to peanuts. Symptoms can range from slight |
| office visits to health care professionals each year. | | | | to very uncomfortable. For example, a runny nose or |
| They are life-long, chronic problems especially for | | | | an intense headache. Symptoms of an allergic |
| those who have asthma or some other breathing | | | | reaction to milk include hives, vomiting and breathing |
| condition. The good news is that there's a lot you | | | | problems after consuming a dairy product. Many |
| can do to help your self feel better. | | | | adults may experience symptoms similar to milk |
| When you have a reaction it is the immune system's | | | | allergy, as adults often have trouble digesting the |
| specific reaction to a normally harmless substance | | | | sugar in milk. |
| such as pollens, certain foods, or medicines. There | | | | How ever one of the best ways to avoid having |
| are two main types, seasonal and perennial. They | | | | these reactions, is to make a list of all your |
| cause an overreaction of the immune system to | | | | symptoms. Make an effort to avoid anything that |
| substances that generally do not affect other | | | | might trigger a reaction. Especially if you are an |
| individuals. These substances, or allergens as they are | | | | asthmatic person. This can go a long way in |
| sometimes called, can cause sneezing, coughing, and | | | | improving your quality of life. As always consult with |
| itching. Brought on by an over-sensitive immune | | | | your doctor to come up with the right treatment |
| response . The immune system normally protects the | | | | plan that fits your lifestyle. |