Allergies
In the United States, allergies are a major cause of illness affecting approximately 50 million adults and children. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen, such as plant pollen, dust mites, molds, food, or insect stings. This is usually harmless. When people have an allergy, the immune system treats the specific allergen as an invader to the body and releases chemicals, like histamine, to defend itself. These chemicals cause an inflammatory response and cause allergic symptoms, which can range from mild, moderate, or life-threatening.
The allergic or inflammatory response typically affects the nose, throat, eyes, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. In extreme circumstances, it can affect the whole body. Whenever people with allergies are exposed to allergen, their bodies will trigger the allergic response. By knowing what people are allergic to and taking steps to treat or avoid the reaction, people can improve their symptoms and avoid serious allergic reactions. Studies show that more than half of all adults and children test positive to one or more allergens. Allergies tend to be hereditary. Sometimes allergies can resolve and return years later. Allergists are specialized physicians who have training and experience to find the cause of allergy suffering and help find relief.
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