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Tue April 15, 2008

Dealing with allergies

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Nearly 20 percent of Americans suffer from allergies. Allergies are an irregular reaction of the immune system where your body's defenses act in response to what is normally not a detrimental material surrounding you. These materials can range from pollen in the air to food you consume. Allergies may be fairly mild or life-threatening.

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According to WebMD, here are some of the most common reasons for allergies:

•Pollen is a common allergy, because it is carried in trees, grass and weeds. Some of your symptoms, if allergic to pollen, can include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. Over-the-counter products, prescription drugs, and allergy shots help to prevent this allergy.

•If you are allergic to insect stings, you can have a severe or life-threatening reaction. Some of the symptoms include extensive swelling and redness from the sting or bite that may last a week or more, nausea, or a low-grade fever. For those severely allergic, a sting may cause anaphylaxis with symptoms that include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of face, throat, or mouth and dizziness. Allergy shots are recommended and epinephrine should be administered directly after the sting or bite.

•Mold produces allergens and potentially toxic substances. There are many different types of mold that can be found in damp areas such as in basements or bathrooms, as well as grass or mulch. Avoid doing things that may trigger symptoms and make sure to ventilate moist areas of your home.

This information provided by St. Anthony Hospital and WebMD. For more information call 231-8866.

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