Did you know...?
- As many as 40 or 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies?
- Allergies cause swollen eyes, itching skin, dripping noses, lightheadedness and even death?
What is it?
An allergy is a strong reaction by your body’s immune system to something that would normally be harmless — a food, plant or medicine. Common reactions include a stuffy nose, itchy eyes or a skin rash. Severe allergic reactions (see below) require immediate medical attention. Many people who have allergies also have asthma. Allergic reactions may trigger asthma attacks, where a swelling and tightening of your airways that makes it difficult to breathe.
Signs of Allergies and Allergic Reactions Include:
- Asthma, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness or wheezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy, inflamed or runny nose
- Hives or itchy rash on skin
- Dark circles under and around eyes
- Recurring headache
- Diarrhea or stomach cramps
- Anaphylaxis (a severe reaction) may be life-threatening. Symptoms include: swelling, tingling in the mouth and a red, itchy rash, as well as lightheadedness, shortness of breath, severe sneezing, stomach cramps and loss of blood pressure. If these symptoms are present, go immediately to a doctor or emergency room for treatment.
What You Can Do
Know your allergies, and know what to avoid. Not everyone is allergic to the same things!
- Contact your doctor about any unusual reactions to food, plants, medicines or other items.
- Avoid contact with things you know trigger allergies.
- Avoid being outside or having the windows open when pollen counts are high.
- Read food labels carefully to avoid ingredients that cause reactions.
- Choose medicines and home-care products carefully.
- Keep a clean home.
- Control pests such as mice and cockroaches.
- Vacuum floors and upholstery often with a properly filtered vacuum.
- Avoid having mold, cigarette smoke, pesticides and chemicals inside the house.
- Keep pets out of the bedrooms of family members who are allergic to them.
- In the event of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
