People who have serious allergies...

Allergies Sourcebook: Basic Information About Major Forms and Mechanisms of Common Allergic Reactions, Sensitivities, and Intolerances Including Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Hives (Health Reference Series)

Our bodies are much like finely tuned machines. Every part of our body has a job to do. If something goes amiss there are signals that tell us that. It may be a pain, a bruise or an allergic reaction. Whatever it is, it is a message that says that something isn’t the way it should be. For anyone who has ever sneezed or gotten a rash because of an adverse reaction to something, they know how important it is to determine the root of the problem.


Hay fever afflicts millions of people each year. When the temperature warms up and spring begins, the number of people sneezing with runny and itchy eyes increases. You’ve also probably noticed that there are more commercials on television for medications that help with an allergic reaction to dust and pollen. If you’ve been diagnosed with seasonal allergies you know how frustrating they can be.

Allergies vary from person to person. Some kids who find themselves allergic to pet dander, certain foods and dust, may actually outgrow some or all of those as they mature. The same is true of children who are allergic to penicillin. As they grow, their body chemistry changes and what was once an allergic stimulant might not be anymore.

The best and most efficient way to determine what you are allergic to is to visit a specialist. This is someone who is skilled in testing people, just like you, for allergies. After a brief consultation, the patient is administered a series of tests to see what causes an allergic reaction.

This is actually vitally important for people who have serious allergies. Some individuals can actually die from their reactions to certain substances. Anaphylactic shock is the most severe type of allergic reaction in which the individual’s body begins to shut down. The throat may be become swollen, it is almost impossible to breathe and if left untreated, serious harm and death can occur. That’s why it’s smart for those who have allergies, or for parents of children with allergies to have the tests done.

It’s not uncommon for families to share the same reactions to certain substances. If one of your parents were allergic to cats or dogs, there’s a fairly good chance that you’ll have that same allergic reaction. Food allergies also tend to run in families, so if you are a parent with a very severe allergy to nuts, make certain your kids are checked before they eat peanuts.

Although it’s inconvenient and frustrating at times to struggle with these types of reactions there are many methods of effective treatment. After diagnosis, it’s a good idea to sit down with your doctor to talk about a treatment plan that will work for you. Then you can get out and enjoy life without having to worry too much about your allergies.