Allergy Summary An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are Pollen Dust mites Mold spores Pet dander Food Insect stings Medicines Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body’s defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. Genes and the environment probably both play a role. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, or asthma. Allergies can range from minor to severe. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. Doctors use skin and blood tests to diagnose allergies. Treatments include medicines, allergy shots, and avoiding the substances that cause the reactions. NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Achoooooo! Nothing to Sneeze At Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment Fighting Allergies with Research and Information Finding Relief from Allergy’s Grip NIH Research: “The Public Wants Diseases Cured…” Children All about Allergies (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Allergy Relief for Your Child Food and Drug Administration Allergy Shots (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Learning about Allergies Nemours Foundation Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology What Is a Pediatric Allergist / Immunologist? American Academy of Pediatrics Prevention and Risk Factors Allergens and Irritants National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Allergy-Proof Your House Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Environmental Control Measures (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Trigger Avoidance in Allergic Rhinitis (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate Related Issues Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Allergies and Asthma: They Often Occur Together Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Allergy Capitals Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Allergy Meds Could Affect Your Driving Food and Drug Administration Colds, Allergies and Sinusitis – How to Tell the Difference American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Dark Circles under Eyes Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE) or (EoE) American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Feel Better. Live Better. See an Allergist / Immunologist American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Encyclopedia Allergic conjunctivitis Allergic rhinitis – what to ask your doctor – adult Allergic rhinitis – what to ask your doctor – child Allergic vasculitis Allergies, asthma, and pollen Allergy shots Erythema multiforme Nasal corticosteroid sprays Saline nasal washes Sneezing Stuffy or runny nose – adult Stuffy or runny nose – children Array Allergic reactions Allergic rhinitis – self-care Allergies Allergies Allergies, asthma, and dust Allergies, asthma, and molds Allergy testing – skin Angioedema Antihistamines for allergies Start Here Allergic Reactions American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Allergies Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Environmental Allergies National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Treatments and Therapies Allergic Rhinitis: Antihistamines American Academy of Family Physicians Allergy Medications: Know Your Options Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Allergy Shots and Allergy Drops for Adults and Children Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Allergy Shots: Could They Help Your Allergies? American Academy of Family Physicians Butterbur National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion American Academy of Family Physicians Itching for Allergy Relief? Food and Drug Administration Medicines to Treat Allergies Array Nasal Wash Treatment National Jewish Health Time to Talk: 5 Things to Know about Complementary Health Approaches for Seasonal Allergy Relief National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Treating Allergies, Hay Fever, and Hives Consumers Union of U.S. Specifics Allergic Skin Conditions American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Cockroach Allergy Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Dust Mite Allergy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Mold Allergy Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Nickel Allergy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Oral Hypersensitivity Reactions American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Pet Allergy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Physical Allergy Merck & Co., Inc. Stinging Insect Allergy American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Sun Allergy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Teenagers Allergies Nemours Foundation Do Allergies Cause Asthma? Nemours Foundation Reference Desk Allergy and Asthma Health Magazine American Association for Respiratory Care Immune System National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Diagnosis and Tests Allergy Blood Testing American Association for Clinical Chemistry Allergy Skin Tests Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Allergy Testing American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Allergy Tests: When You Need Them and When You Don’t ABIM Foundation Cold or Allergies: Which Is It? (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Cold, Flu, or Allergy? Know the Difference for Best Treatment National Institutes of Health Is It a Cold or an Allergy? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases WBC (White Blood Cell) Differential Count American Association for Clinical Chemistry Find an Expert American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Find an Allergist/Immunologist American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Anaphylaxis National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Hypersensitivity National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial National Institutes of Health Statistics and Research FastStats: Allergies/Hay Fever National Center for Health Statistics Prevalence of Allergies the Same, Regardless of Where You Live National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Seasonal Allergies at a Glance: What the Science Says National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Trends in Allergic Conditions among Children: United States, 1997-2011 National Center for Health Statistics Genetics Genetics Home Reference: allergic asthma National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: atopic dermatitis National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: Netherton syndrome National Library of Medicine Health Check Tools Pet Allergy Quiz American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Journal Articles Allergy Videos and Tutorials Virtual Allergist American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Latest News Managing Allergies, Asthma 101 HealthDay Spring Allergies? Don’t Assume It’s Only Pollen HealthDay An Expert’s Guide to Sneezin’ Season HealthDay Can Certain Allergy Meds Worsen Restless Legs Syndrome? HealthDay Blooming Trees Can Bring Misery to Allergy Sufferers HealthDay