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 What is an allergy?
An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance, such as pollen or mold. Simply, it's an overreaction to something the body views as an invader.
How do they come about?
When an allergen, such as a pollen grain, enters the body and comes in contact with the lining of the nose, the immune system of an allergic person initiates a chain reaction to protect itself. White blood cells, known as lymphocytes, produce antibodies that cause the release of chemicals such as histamine. Histamine, and other natural substances made by your body, cause the classic allergy symptoms—including runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Whom can you see for help?
Allergists/immunologists are trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of immune-system problems such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Unlike a cold, allergic disease is not a condition that someone can just recover from. The help of a trained allergist can reduce how often you need to stay home from work or school due to symptoms.
To locate an allergist in your area, visit the physician referral directory of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. If you are enrolled in a managed care organization, your insurer will have a specific set of guidelines that help your primary care physician decide when to refer you to an allergist.
This information is provided by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. |
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