Allergies: They're nothing to sneeze at!

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about allergies:

What is an allergy?
The body's abnormal response to a foreign substance called an allergen which may be pollen, mold, animal dander, house dust, and some foods and chemicals.

Who suffers from allergies?
One in four Americans -- an estimated 40 to 50 million people.

What are the most common allergy symptoms?
One of the most prevalent is allergic rhinitis, known to most people as hay fever. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes.

When are the peak allergy seasons?
They vary by region, but in general pollens from trees and grasses are prominent in the spring, and from ragweed in the late summer. Symptoms from mold, house dust and animal allergies may occur all year round.

How does an allergy differ from the common cold?
Allergic rhinitis symptoms are limited to the upper respiratory system, whereas cold sufferers can feel sick all over. Allergies may have prolonged symptoms including clear mucus secretions and sneezes that can occur in rapid succession. Cold symptoms are self-limited, usually lasting about seven days. There may be a fever, sore throat and opaque mucus secretions.

How does one "get" an allergy?
Allergies usually begin during childhood but can develop at any age. Though specific allergies are not inherited, the general tendency to develop them is genetic.

How are allergies diagnosed?
A physician may review one's medical history, perform a physical exam and a series of skin tests. A positive skin test suggests a potential allergy.

How are allergy symptoms treated?
The best "treatment" is simple avoidance of the allergen. If that is not possible, many allergy symptoms are treated with medication such as an antihistamine, decongestant or a combination of the two.

What does an antihistamine do?
It blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the cells in the body that causes common allergic symptoms.

What does a decongestant do?
It helps to ease nasal congestion by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and opening breathing passages.