Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi - (Page 43)
By Stephanie R. ConneR
When Allergies Attack
photography by getty images
Achoo! Sniffle. Blow. Achoo!
Ah, the sounds of allergy season. • if you’re
an allergy sufferer, you know the signs
well—sneezing, runny nose, congestion
and watery eyes are common symptoms.
And if you’re an allergy sufferer, you’re far from
alone. Nearly one in five Americans suffers from some
sort of allergy, according to the Asthma and Allergy
Foundation of America. About 40 million of us have
an indoor/outdoor allergy, such as pollen, mold, dust
mites or pet dander, as our primary allergy.
People who are allergic to pollen from particular plants, such as grass, trees or weeds, experience seasonal allergic rhinitis (or hay fever). In the
U.S., that’s about 7.8 percent of adults age 18 and
older, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
Immunology reports.
Indoor allergens like dust and pet dander can also
trigger allergic rhinitis. Of course, if you’re allergic to
these things, your allergy “season” is year-round.
Allergies explAined
So, what’s happening when you have an allergy?
An allergy is essentially a miscue in the body’s
immune system, where it senses a substance—
such as pollen or mold—as a harmful invader, and
causes the body to produce immunoglobulin E
antibodies. An initial allergy screening will often
include a blood test for these antibodies, which
travel to cells that release chemicals that cause an
allergic reaction.
There are steps you can take to minimize the
symptoms of allergies, but perhaps the most important step is to first educate yourself.
Here are a few common myths about allergies and
what you should know.
Spri ng 2013
43
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi
Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Brain Power
No Bones About It
You're the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
Botox: A New Miracle Drug?
The Doctor Will See You Now
Catch the Spirit
Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi
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