Allergies

1. Understanding Allergies
2. Shocking Allergy Facts & Figures
3. Allergy Causes
4. Allergy Symptoms & Risk Factors
5. Allergy Testing
6. Allergy Shots and Immunotherapy
7. Medication Options
8. Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications
9. Prescription Allergy Medications
10. Prescription vs OTC Drugs & Side Effects
11. Allergy Prevention & Management
12. View All

Understanding Allergies

What Are Allergies? Here you will find all the answers to why you feel bad – and how to feel relief!

Allergy

An allergy is an abnormal or exaggerated response of a person’s immune system to a substance in their environment which is generally a harmless substance. This substance (which can be, for example, animal dander, certain foods, dust, mold, and/or pollen) is called an allergen. The outward bodily manifestation of this abnormal or exaggerated response of a person’s immune system is commonly referred to as an allergic reaction.

Allergic Reactions

Why You Feel Bad

Normally, the immune system functions as the body’s defense against invading germs such as bacteria and viruses. In most allergic reactions, however, the immune system is responding to a false alarm. When an allergic person first comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system treats the allergen as an invader and gets ready to attack.

The immune system does this by generating large amounts of a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. Each IgE antibody is specific for one particular substance. In the case of pollen allergy, each antibody is specific for one type of pollen. For example, the immune system may produce one type of antibody to react against oak pollen and another against ragweed pollen.

The IgE molecules are special because IgE is the only type of antibody that attaches tightly to the body’s mast cells, which are tissue cells, and to basophils, which are blood cells. When the allergen next encounters its specific IgE, it attaches to the antibody like a key fitting into a lock. This action signals the cell to which the IgE is attached to release (and, in some cases, to produce) powerful chemicals like histamine, which cause inflammation. These chemicals act on tissues in various parts of the body, such as the respiratory system, and cause the symptoms of allergy.

Related conditions Often Caused by Your Allergies

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction and can occur in response to any allergen. The medical definition of anaphylaxis is a rapidly developing, systemic allergic reaction that is mediated by an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is the “mediator” between the allergen attacking the body and the mast cell that the IgE is attached to, which triggers the release of histamine.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Why You Feel Bad

There exists a clear, thin membrane called the conjunctiva which lines your eyeball and the inside of your eyelid. If something, such as an allergen, irritates this covering, your eyes may become red and swollen and may also itch, hurt, water or tear; the medical name for this condition is allergic conjunctivitis. Someone with allergic conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis caused by allergies) usually also has allergic rhinitis, or nasal symptoms, as well. Conjunctivitis can also be non-allergic caused by bacteria or viral infection, and is commonly known as “pink eye.”

Allergic Rhinitis aka “Nasal Allergies” aka “Hay Fever”

Why You Feel Bad
What many think of as nasal allergies or nasal allergy symptoms is medically known as allergic rhinitis. This is one of the most common allergic conditions, affecting about 35 million Americans. A runny, stuffy, or itchy nose and eyes, and sneezing are the cold-like symptoms of nasal allergies. But a virus causes a cold. These symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to substances (airborne allergens) in your environment. This allergic reaction causes inflammation in your nasal tissue. And the inflammation is what plays a large role in causing your uncomfortable symptoms.

• Seasonal Allergies
  • If your symptoms start or get worse at certain times of the year you may have seasonal allergic rhinitis. Pollen, grass, and weeds are often the cause of these types of seasonal, airborne allergies.

• Year Round Allergies
  • If your symptoms are year-round, you may have perennial allergic rhinitis. Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and animal dander are the most common causes of these types of year-round, airborne allergies.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disorder of the airways with 2 main components: constriction (the tightening of the muscles around the airways) and inflammation (the swelling of the airways). Asthma is characterized by recurrent breathing problems and acute episodic attacks of shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Click here for our asthma info center.

Sinusitis

Why You Feel Bad

Your sinuses are air-filled, hollow cavities around your nose, throat and nasal passages. When you get sinusitis, these passages become inflamed, and fluid accumulates and interferes with normal drainage of mucus in the sinuses. Untreated sinusitis may develop into a chronic condition. When symptoms last less than 4 weeks, it is considered “acute sinusitis.” When symptoms are recurring or last longer than 12 weeks consecutively, then it is considered “chronic sinusitis.” A common cause of sinusitis is allergies and common symptoms include facial pain and pressure especially in the cheeks, forehead, nose, temples, and behind the eyes, difficulty breathing through the nose, and nasal obstruction or congestion.

Nasal Polyp

Nasal polyps are non cancerous (benign) growths that develop on the lining of your nose and/or sinuses. Symptoms include difficulty breathing through your nose, runny nose.

Types of Allergies

Click on any of the following links for our detailed info centers on these specific allergy topics, including great tips to relieve your allergy symptoms.

• Food Allergies
• Pet Allergies
• Pollen Allergies
• Dust Allergies
• Mold Allergies
• Chemical Allergies

Allergy Facts and Figures

Fact or Myth? These allergy statistics are not only real and factual – but they’re shocking! Check them out:

• Allergies can affect anyone
• The allergic reactions you have are unique to you
• Allergies can occur for the first time at any age, even though they are more common in children. Also, in some cases, allergies may recur after many years of remission.
• Anaphylaxis is the most dangerous type of allergic reaction, and the least common
• Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States and cost the healthcare system $18 billion annually.
• About half of all Americans test positive for at least1 of the 10 most common allergens:
  • Ragweed
  • Bermuda grass
  • Rye grass
  • White oak
  • Russian thistle
  • Alternaria mold
  • Cat
  • House dust mite
  • German cockroach
  • Peanut
• Food allergy occurs in 6 to 8 percent of children age 6 years or younger and in 2 percent of adults.
• Common food allergens include:
  • Cow’s Milk
  • Eggs
  • Shellfish
  • Nuts

• Peanuts and tree nuts are the leading causes of fatal and near-fatal food allergy reactions.

• The prevalence of asthma is also high. For reasons that are still unclear, the prevalence of both allergy and asthma in the United States is increasing.

• In 2005, 30 million people living in the United States had asthma, resulting in more than 480,000 hospitalizations and approximately 4,200 deaths.

• In 2002, the asthma prevalence among non-Hispanic African Americans was approximately 30 percent higher than among non-Hispanic whites, and approximately double the level among Hispanics.

• Among individual race/ethnic groups, Puerto Ricans have the highest levels of asthma prevalence and asthma attack prevalence.

Allergy Causes

What Causes Allergies?

Hundreds or possibly even thousands of ordinary substances (allergens) may trigger an allergic reaction. Common allergens include:

• Animal dander
• Drugs/medications such as penicillin
• Household dust or dust mites
• Insect stings such as bee stings or fire ant stings
• Molds
• Plant pollens such as poison ivy
• Latex
• Industrial chemicals
• Cockroach droppings
• Fragrances
• Jewelry
• Cosmetics
• Other substances

One thing that makes the human body so amazing is its ability to defend itself against harmful substances and dangerous invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. However, in certain people, their body’s immune system is over sensitive and reacts defensively when exposed to allergens (generally harmless substances such as animal dander, dust, peanuts, mold, pollen or shellfish) by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies attach to the receptors of a blood cell called a mastocyte (mast cell). When patients with an allergic disease (for example, asthma or allergic rhinitis) are exposed to an allergen[s], their immune system then rallies its defenses, launching a multitude of complex chemical weapons for an attack to destroy the supposedly identified “enemy.” What is happening in your body is that the allergens are binding to the IgE, which is attached to the mast cell (the main purpose of a mast cell is to destroy microorganisms invading your body). This triggers a reaction that allows the mast cells to release a variety of chemicals including histamine and leukotriene, which causes most of the symptoms of an allergy. Histamine attaches to receptors in blood vessels and causes them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching and changes in secretions. During this process, unpleasant and in extreme cases life-threatening symptoms may be experienced.

Allergy Risk Factors

There is evidence that a combination of genetics and environmental factors may play a role in your allergies. While the exact genetic (inherited) factors are not yet understood, the tendency to allergies, as well as to allergic disease, is linked to heredity. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions have been linked to allergies. People with medical conditions such as asthma or other lung conditions that affect breathing, frequent infections of the nasal sinuses, ears, or respiratory tract, eczema or sensitive skin, are more likely to develop and/or have allergies. Further, your surrounding environment may aggravate your allergies: the more intense and repetitive your exposure is to allergens and the earlier in life it occurs, the more likely it is that an allergy will develop.

Allergy Symptoms

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body, but usually it appears in the skin, eyes, nose, sinuses, lungs, stomach lining, and throat. These are the places where the IgE’s, the special warrior immune system cells, are stationed to fight off the invaders that have recently been inhaled, swallowed or have come into contact with the skin. In addition, the part of the body that comes into contact with the allergen plays a role in the symptoms you develop and where the symptoms manifest. For example, if the allergen is in the air (pollen, dust mites) and it is inhaled, the allergic reaction will likely occur in the nose in the form of stuffy or runny nose, in the throat in the form of itchy throat and mucus production and/or in the lungs in the form of wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. If the air allergen is rubbed into your eyes, the allergic reaction will likely occur in the eye, in the form of itchy, red eyes. If the allergen is ingested (peanuts or shellfish), the allergic reaction often occurs in the mouth or stomach in the form of abdominal pain, cramps, or diarrhea, and/or intestines.

Generally, possible allergy symptoms may include:

• Abdominal Cramps
• Abdominal Pain
• Breathing Problems
• Chest Tightness
• Choking
• Choking Sensation
• Conjunctivitis (red, swollen eyes)
• Cough
• Coughing Up Phlegm
• Coughing Up Yellow Sputum
• Diarrhea
• Eye Redness
• Ear fullness and popping
• Headache
• Hives
• Irritation Of Nose
• Itching
• Itching Of Eyes
• Mental Confusion
• Mouth Irritation
• Nausea
• Pain
• Pressure in the nose and cheeks
• Rashes on Skin
• Runny Nose
• Shortness of Breath
• Stuffy Nose
• Swelling
• Swelling Around The Eyes
• Throat Irritation
• Vomiting
• Watering Eyes
• Wheezing

Allergy Testing

What allergy tests do doctors use to diagnose allergies?

Which allergy testing option is best for me?

To diagnose allergies, a thorough health history review and physical examination with a physician is a great first step. If you have allergy symptoms that occur in association with exposure to certain things, that is highly significant, so make sure you tell your doctor about the association.

Allergy diagnostic tests, such as skin or blood tests, provide similar information and may confirm what your health history tells the doctor. If you and your doctor were to rely exclusively on the results of skin or blood tests (without information about your medical history and physical examination), you may potentially be misdiagnosed with having an allergy problem that you may not necessarily have.

Allergy Skins Tests

What is the difference between skin tests for allergies and which option is right for me?

Skin tests for allergies are a good option choice because:

• The results are available immediately
• They can be more sensitive to subtle allergies
• They are less expensive

There are 3 types of skin tests for allergies:

1. Scratch (Puncture or Prick) Test

First, your health care provider examines the skin either on your forearm or back and cleans it with alcohol. Next, areas on your skin are marked with a pen to identify each allergen to be tested. A drop of extract for each potential allergen is placed on the corresponding mark. Now, a small disposable pricking device is used to prick the skin so the extract can enter into the outer skin layer. The skin prick is not a shot and does not cause bleeding. Lastly, the skin is closely watched for signs of a reaction, which include swelling and redness. Often such reactions occur in as little as 15 minutes.

2. Intradermal Test

First, your health care provider examines the skin either on your forearm or back and cleans it with alcohol. Then a small amount of the allergen is injected just under the skin. Lastly, you must wait about 15 minutes to see how your skin reacts.

3. Patch Test

The allergen is applied to a patch that is then placed on the skin. Sometimes, this is done to pinpoint a trigger of allergic contact dermatitis. If there are IgE’s (allergic antibodies) in your body, your skin will become irritated and may itch. This reaction means you are allergic to that substance. Patch tests take approximately 48 hours (do not bathe or swim while wearing these patches). You must return to your physician to determine whether your skin has reacted to the allergens.

Before your skin allergy test, your doctor will give you a list of medications to be avoided before the test since those drugs may interfere with the test. Specifically, allergy medicines, including over-the-counter antihistamines, stop allergic reactions, so you should not take them for 48 hours before the test. Speak to your doctor about discontinuing any allergy medicines or other medications prior to the test.

Allergy Blood Tests

What is the RAST test and how do blood tests for allergies work?

While general blood tests give a picture of your overall health, specific allergy related blood tests can measure levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key antibody that’s released during an allergic reaction. While everyone’s body produces IgE, people who have allergies make larger quantities of this protective protein.

A blood test called RAST (radioallergosorbent) measures the levels of specific allergy related substances in your blood.

Blood testing for allergies is another good option particularly if:

• You cannot suspend antihistamine therapy which may inhibit skin tests;
• You are so sensitive to the allergen that the test might be risky;
• You have widespread skin disease making skin testing difficult; or
• If your skin cannot be skin tested for some other reason.

One problem with both blood and skin tests for food allergies is they are highly sensitive. So if you do have any remote or slight food allergy, the tests are likely to catch it. However, the tests are not specific enough. This means that the tests often are positive even when there is no significant food allergy.

Additionally, your physician may have you perform “use or elimination testing,” which is often used to check for food or drug allergies. Here, you will simply have to avoid certain items to see if you get better, or use suspected items to see if you feel worse.

Treating Allergies

How Do I Treat My Allergies?

Allergy Shots aka Immunotherapy

Allergy shots (also known as immunotherapy or allergy immunization) are an effective and safe treatment for people who suffer from a variety of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and insect stings. The treatment works by introducing small amounts of purified substances to which the person is allergic, in gradually increasing amounts. The allergy shots improve the patient’s natural resistance to the allergens and minimize or eliminate the need for medications. Allergy shots are usually recommended for people suffering from severe allergies or those who have allergy symptoms more than 3 months out of the year. They are not a cure for allergies, but they will reduce your sensitivity to certain allergens.

Another option is a monoclonal antibody (an anti IgE antibody), such as omalizumab (Xolair), which reduce your immune system’s reaction to allergens by blocking IgE. Xolair is delivered by injection every two to four weeks.

Generic Name: Omalizumab Brand Name: Xolair

Possible side effects include, but are not limited to: injection-site reaction, headache, sinusitis, sore throat viral infections, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Like all medical treatments, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can have side effects. Your doctor will discuss this with you in detail. Under no circumstances should you consider allergy shots without at least an attempt at avoidance of the troublesome allergen. For instance, cat allergy shots are no substitute for cat avoidance. Some allergens, though, such as grass pollen, are almost unavoidable.

Allergy shots are given regularly in the upper arm, with gradually increasing doses. At the beginning of immunotherapy, you may need to see your physician once or twice a week for several months. The dose is increased each time until the maintenance dose is reached. If the shots are effective, you will see your physician approximately every 2 to 4 weeks for 2 to 5 more years. You may become less sensitive to allergens during this time, your allergy symptoms may become milder and it is possible that they may even go away completely.

If your symptoms are becoming unmanageable with medication alone, and if the allergen cannot be avoided and the symptoms are hard to control, speak with your doctor about whether allergy shots are a good option for you. Please keep in mind, however, that allergy shots do not work for everybody, require frequent doctor’s visits, and may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and/or rashes) and in extreme cases, dangerous outcomes (such as anaphylaxis). Immunotherapy is not proven to be effective for hives or food allergies. Also, they do not work for everybody and require frequent doctor’s visits.

Medication Options For Treating Allergies

The good news is that most allergies are easily treated with medication.

This guide will explain your allergy drug options, including a list of allergy drugs, what they do, and their generic and brand names.

Antihistamine Medications

For many years, antihistamine medications have been available and are used to treat allergy symptoms. They are available and can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray or eye drops. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops relieve red itchy eyes; pills and nasal sprays are used to treat the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies.

How do antihistamine medications work?

When you are exposed to an allergen, your immune system is triggered into action. Your mast cells (immune system cells) then release histamine which attaches to receptors in blood vessels causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching and changes in secretions. Antihistamine medications block these histamine receptors, thereby preventing the symptoms of your allergic reactions.

If your symptoms do not go away with antihistamine medications alone, nasal corticosteroid sprays are generally safe and may work well. Decongestants in pill or nasal spray form can also help relieve a stuffy nose. However, nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than several days at a time, because they may cause a “rebound” effect which worsens the congestion. Decongestants in pill form do not cause this problem.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids help and treat inflammations associated with allergies and allergic reactions

Decongestants

Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Examples of antihistamine medications and nasal sprays are outlined below.

Over-the-Counter – “OTC” Allergy Medications

OTC Antihistamines in Pill Form
Brand Name	Generic Name
Benadryl	Diphenhydramine
Claritin	Loratadine
Chlor-Trimeton	Chlorpheniramine Maleate
Dimetane	Prompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine
Tavist	Clemastine Fumarate
Zyrtec	Cetirizine
Drixorol	Dexbrompheniramine

OTC Eye Drops

OTC Eye Drop Antihistamines
Brand Name	Generic Name
Ocu-Hist	Naphazoline Hydrochloride, Pheniramine Maleate
Visine-A, Opcon-A, & others	Naphazoline

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Prescription Allergy Medications

Prescription Antihistamines in Pill Form
Brand Name	Generic Name
Allegra	Fexofenadine
Clarinex
Clarinex RediTabs – available in disintegrating tablet, and syrop form

Eye Drops

Antihistamines Eye Drops
Brand Name	Generic Name
Emadine	Emedastine
Livostin	Levocabastine
Albalon	Naphazoline
Patanol	Olopatadine

Mast Cell Stabilizer Eye Drops

Mast Cell Stabilizer Eye Drops – Mast cell stabilizer eye drops prevent the release of the symptom triggering chemical histamine. They reduce symptoms associated with hay fever and allergic conjunctivitis, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning of the eyes.
Brand Name	Generic Name
Crolom	Cromolyn Sodium
Alomide	Lodoxamide
Alamast	Pemirolast
Alocril	Nedocromil

Corticosteroid Eye Drops

Corticosteroid Eye Drops are prescription medications used to treat severe allergy symptoms such as red, watery and itchy eyes caused by hay fever and allergic conjunctivitis. Generally used only for a short time period when other eye drops do not work.
Brand Name	Generic Name
Decadron, Maxidex	Dexamethasone
FML, Fluor-Op	Fluorometholone
Pred Forte, Econopred	Prednisolone

Nasal Sprays

Antihistamines Nasal Sprays
Brand Name	Generic Name
Astelin	Azelastine

Nasal Spray

Corticosteroid Nasal Spray
Brand Name	Generic Name
Flonase & Veramyst	Fluticasone
Nasonex	Mometasone
Nasacort AQ	Triamcinolone
Rhinocort	Budesonide
Nasarel	Flunisolide
Beconase	Beclomethasone
NasalCrom	Cromolyn Sodium
For hay fever symptoms: Cromolyn sodium also prevents the release of histamine.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene Modifiers – Another medication option for allergy sufferers, particularly effective for those who also have asthma (although it is used to treat symptoms of hay fever as well) is leukotriene inhibitors. Leukotrienes are inflammatory chemicals released by your immune system (similar to the release of histamine) during an allergic reaction. The following medications are prescription leukotriene inhibitors approved for those with asthma and indoor and outdoor allergies:
Brand Name	Generic Name
Singular	Montelukast
Accolate	Zafirlukast
Zyflo	Zileuton

The Side Effects of Allergy Medications

What side effects should I expect to experience after taking allergy meds?

Generally, these allergy medications, if taken at their recommended dosages, will have few, if any, side effects.

Antihistamine Side Effects

Drowsiness and headache are the more common side effects from some antihistamine medications, both over the counter and prescription. However, drowsiness or a slightly sedated feeling may sometimes be desirable, for example at nighttime when allergies could potentially prevent restful sleep.

Less Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, and sleepiness.

Rare side effects include rash, hives, anaphylaxis, and shortness of breath.

Other side effects are also possible. If you notice any other effects, please check with your physician or healthcare professional.

Leukotriene modifier side effects

Side effects from leukotriene modifiers include cough, dizziness, headache, stomach upset or pain, stuffy nose, tiredness, or muscle weakness.

Nasal Spray Side Effects

There are some mild nasal spray side effects which may include an unpleasant smell or bitter taste, sneezing, nasal burning or bleeding, runny nose or sore throat, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, headache, irritation (especially in the winter), crusting and nose bleeds (especially in the winter).

Eye Drop Side Effects

The side effects of some eye drops may cause burning and stinging when you first apply them, but this usually goes away in a few minutes. Blurred vision and other mild side effects are also possible. Additionally, you may have an increased risk of eye infections, glaucoma and cataracts with prolonged use of eye drops.

Prescription versus Non-Prescription Allergy Medications

How do I know which allergy drugs are right for me?

Generally, the difference between prescription and non-prescription allergy medications is the overall time period that the medications work for to eliminate allergy symptoms. Over the counter medicines are generally short acting antihistamines and relieve mild to moderate symptoms; whereas prescription medications are generally longer acting, working for more extended time periods, and may relieve more severe allergy symptoms.

Please check each individual specific medication for complete detailed information on side effects, dosage, directions, etc. Please see your physician or health care provider if you experience side effects from any medications you are taking.

Additionally, specific illnesses caused by allergies, such as [asthma] or [eczema], require other treatments and medications. Please see our Key to Understanding Asthma and our Key to Understanding Eczema pages for additional information.

By understanding how allergy medications work, you can be informed when you work with your doctor to develop your treatment plan that will work for you. If you think you might have allergies or are experiencing any allergy symptoms, please your doctor and discuss allergy medication options suitable for you.

Managing Your Allergies

How Do I Manage My Allergies?

Avoidance! Avoid your allergy triggers! Once you have identified your allergy triggers, your must avoid them!

See your doctor and discuss allergy medication options suitable for you. If allergies and their pesky symptoms do strike, have an antihistamine medication on hand to treat your allergy symptoms. Make an appointment with your doctor if the allergy medication you have been taking or any other allergy treatment you use has ceased to work. If your symptoms are becoming unmanageable with medication alone, and if the allergen cannot be avoided and the symptoms are hard to control, speak with your doctor about whether allergy shots are a good option for you. Please keep in mind, however, that allergy shots do not work for everybody and require frequent doctor’s visits and may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and/or rashes) and in extreme cases, dangerous outcomes (such as anaphylaxis).

Allergy Prevention

How do I prevent my allergy symptoms?

The best allergy prevention is avoidance! Avoid your allergy triggers! Once you have identified the allergens that trigger your allergic reactions, avoid them!

Other alternatives for allergy prevention may even start when a baby is still in the womb! There is evidence that mothers who avoid foods such as nuts during their pregnancy may prevent allergy related conditions in their children. Further, mothers should avoid foods such as cow’s milk, eggs, and nuts (especially peanuts) while breastfeeding. This, too, can prevent allergy related conditions, such as eczema, in some children. Some studies have shown that children who have been breastfed are less likely to have allergies.

To prevent future allergy related problems in your children, you should discuss your child’s family history of allergies, eczema, etc. Discuss the implications of your child’s current diet on the development of future allergic conditions. Sometimes, even timing the introduction of solid foods in general, and of several specific foods, can help prevent some allergies.

There is a medical theory called the hygiene hypothesis, which states that a lack of early childhood exposure to infectious agents, symbiotic microorganisms, symbiotic bacteria and parasites increases susceptibility to allergic diseases by affecting immune system development. This means that, if the theory is correct, that children exposed to certain airborne allergens such as animal dander and/or dust mites may be less likely to develop related allergies in the future.

Once allergies have developed, however, treating the allergies in accordance with your personalized treatment developed by you and your doctor, as well as carefully avoiding the allergens that cause allergic reactions in your body is the best way you can prevent allergic reactions in the future.

Click here to attack your allergies back: much more information about allergy prevention, management and avoidance.

Specialists who treat Allergies

Doctor Specialties who may treat allergies include Allergist & Immunologist, Rheumatologist, and a physician specializing in Internal Medicine.

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