Do You Have Allergies?

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If you are one of the 35 million Americans sneezing, wheezing and coughing without end, allergic rhinitis (often called "hay fever" or "seasonal allergies") may be the culprit. Certain substances, or allergens, that surround you everyday can trigger these annoying symptoms. When your body comes in contact with allergens, your immune system overreacts and causes you to have these symptoms.

Why Do You Get Allergies?
Scientists think that people inherit a tendency to have allergies from their parents. Exposure to allergens when your body’s defense is weakened, like after being sick, may also contribute to the development of allergies.

When you inhale, itty-bitty allergens enter your body through your nose, mouth and lungs and can trigger an allergic reaction.

How Do You Get Allergies?
Even though you may be born with a tendency for allergies, you’re not automatically going to have an allergic reaction. It may take several years to become sensitive to a specific allergen, such as pet dander.

You may become sensitive to an allergen when:

• You inherit specific genes from your parents
• You come in contact with allergens
• You are around pesky allergens often

Where Are Allergens?
Allergens flourish both outdoors and indoors! Some of these include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen.

Symptoms
The first step in putting a stop to your allergies is recognizing your symptoms:

• Sneezing and stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Dark circles under the eyes from sinus pressure
• Red, itchy, watery eyes