Allergies

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergic disease. Some common causes of allergies include dust, pollen, cats, peanuts, and even cockroaches. Allergies are the immune system's incorrect response to a foreign substance. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance causes the immune system to react as if the substance is harmful. Substances that cause allergies are called allergens. When you come into contact with an allergen, you may experience a number of allergic symptoms including itchy, watery nose and eyes; asthma symptoms such as wheezing and coughing; or hives. Some types of allergies produce multiple symptoms, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction can become very severe. There is no real cure for allergies. The only real way to cope with allergies on a daily basis is to reduce or eliminate exposure to allergens.