Frequently Asked Questions:

If you'd like to see any particular in-depth topic, information or questions answered - please email us and let us know. We'll do our best to include it in our next newsletter and in this FAQ's area also. We value your input and interest.   

                 Here are answers to some basic questions people have about allergies?

           Q:  What exactly are allergies?  

           Q:  What are the most important 'rules' for allergy sufferers? 

           Q.  What is asthma?

           Q:  What types of plants produce the most allergenic pollen?     

           Q.  What does it mean when a product is labeled 'hypoallergenic'?

           Q.  Can allergies be cured?

           Q.  Allergies and link to Stress?

• Allergies:  Allergies are an overreaction of the body's natural defense system that helps fight infections (immune system).  The immune system normally protects the body from viruses and bacteria by producing antibodies to fight them.  In an allergic reaction, the immune system starts fighting substances that are usually harmless (such as dust mites, pollen, some food or a medicine) as though these substances were trying to attack the body.  These substances or allergens are called 'triggers'.  This overreaction can cause a rash, itchy eyes, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, sneezing, nausea and diarrhea. Allergic people need to know their particular 'triggers' that cause these overreactions. The Allergy Trigger checklists in this site - help to pinpoint those to you and your health provider.

       TOP

• Rules:  Experts say the cardinal rules for allergy sufferers are:  1.  Know what you are allergic to (your triggers). The Allergy Triggers checklist in this site can help here.  2.  Know how to predict and avoid situations where you're most likely to be exposed to those allergies. The Home/Office allergy checklists in this site can help identify what you are allergic to and how to avoid/clean them (allergens) up.  3.  Know how you may best treat your allergies with medications and perhaps 'allergy shots' - to find more relief. The Medication Lists in this site lists many of the allergy and asthma medicines now available, the newest ones with doctor's prescriptions.

        TOP

• Asthma:  Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation which makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating (an attack).  When airways react they get narrower and less air flows through to your lung tissue.  This causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially at night and in the very early morning.

• Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives.  Asthma can be either allergic or non-allergic.  The link between the two conditions - GERD and asthma - is pretty clear, with as many as 70 percent of people with asthma also suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

        TOP

• Plants:  The type of pollen that most commonly causes allergic reactions comes from plants (trees, grasses and weeds) that do not bear fruit or flowers.  These plants produce small, light, dry pollen granules in large quantities that can be carried through the air for miles. 

• Hypoallergenic:  "Hypo" means 'under' or 'less than', so 'hypoallergenic' means a product is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.  Many products that we use every day, such as cleansers and soaps, deodorants, makeup and even mouthwash, have ingredients that can irritate the skin or act as antigens (substances that trigger an allergic reaction).  Exposure to these ingredients - most often fragrances and chemicals used as preservatives - can also lead to a condition called contact dermatitis.  Contact dermatitis appears as areas of redness, itching and swelling on the skin, and sometimes as a rash or blisters.

        TOP

• Allergies Cured:  Allergies cannot be cured but the symptoms they cause can be treated and controlled.  This may require making changes in your environment or behavior to avoid or reduce your exposure to certain allergens.  Medication may also help relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction.  Even with treatment, your body's immune system may continue to react when exposed to allergens.  Taking allergy medications before you think you'll come in contact with your allergens - provides better if not total allergy relief than taking medication after you've come in contact with your allergens.

• Allergies and Stress:  Stress is your body's response to conflict or situations, both internal and external that interfere with the normal balance in your life.  Virtually all of the body's systems, including the digestive system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and immune system, make adjustment in response to stress.  When you are feeling anxious or stressed, your body releases numerous hormones and other chemical, including histamine.  Histamine is a powerful chemical that can lead to allergy-like symptoms. 

        TOP

  Sources:  American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, WebMD, and The Cleveland Clinic.