Millions of people suffer from allergies and asthma.  An allergy is when your body reacts adversely to something that does not bother most other people.

For example, they may have a reaction to pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, food or medication. When they come in contact with these things their immune system releases chemicals such as histamine. These chemicals are responsible for their asthma and allergy symptoms.

Allergies can cause recurrent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.  In severe cases, these symptoms can be disabling.  More than eight million children in the United States have alergies and asthma, and it is a leading cause for children to miss school or end up in the hospital.

Common signs of allergies include runny or stuffy noses, coughing, hives, itching, a rash, or puffy eyes.  Allergies can be deadly for some people. When sensitive people come in contact with something they're very allergic to, like peanuts, their blood pressure drops, their breathing tubes swell up, and they can die from lack of air.

The good news is that allergies and asthma can be treated.  If you have allergies, it's important to find out what causes them and how to take care of them.  A doctor can test you to find out. People with severe allergies may need to carry emergency medicine.  It should also be noted that there are natural allergy remedies available that are very helpful.

An allergen is something that causes allergy symptoms, or an allergic reaction.  Some common ones are listed here.  It's important to talk to your doctor if you've had a reaction to any of the following:

• Foods:  Milk and dairy products, citrus fruit like oranges and lemons, tomatoes, wheat, chocolate, artificial colors and flavors, nuts, and shellfish like shrimp or clams.

• Medicines:  Penicillin, some heart medicines, certain antibiotics, and some anti-seizure medicines.

• Insect stings and Bites:  Most are caused by yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants.  In some people, reactions to stings become more serious as years go by. Eventually, only one sting may kill.  Talk to your doctor if you have had a serious reaction to a sting.

• Contact Allergens:  reactions may occur when things like plants, cosmetics, shaving instruments, jewelry, or latex (a type of rubber) touch the skin.  Rashes are common reactions to these allergens.

At least 30 percent of adult asthma cases are triggered by allergies. People allergic to cats, for example, may be at increased risk.  Exposure to cigarette smoke, mold, dust, feather bedding, perfume, or other common substances may trigger the first asthma symptoms. Prolonged exposure to certain workplace materials may also set off asthma symptoms in adults.  air cleaners and purifiers and allergy free bedding will go a long way in helping you breathe better by keeping the allergens under control.

The two main types of allergy tests are:

• Skin tests - A pin is used to inject a small amount of allergen into your skin.
• Blood tests - Doctors study a small sample of your blood.

Both tests look for certain disease-fighting cells (antibodies).  Your body makes these cells to match whatever it is fighting.  Your antibodies tell doctors what you are allergic to.

There is no cure for allergies.  Some people outgrow them.  People who don't just have to learn to cope with them.  Here are some choices for dealing with them:

• Avoid the things that trigger allergies and any allergy induced asthma will also be reduced. (This is the best treatment.)
• Use over-the-counter and prescription drugs
• Get allergy shots
• Use nasal sprays
• Use air purifiers, air conditioners and filters.

Doctors most likely will not suggest you move.  Most people with allergies and asthma will still develop allergies to some allergens in the new area, anyway.

You can lear more by going to the Allergy Avoidance Guide.