Allergy Basics

If you, or a family member suffer from an upper respiratory allergy you’re not alone. Millions of Americans - adults and children - are diagnosed with this type of allergy each year. The symptoms caused by upper respiratory allergies can interfere with your life and work, but there are ways to reduce the impact. Myhealthyseasons.com offers tips and tools to help you understand and manage your condition.

What is an allergy?
An allergy is a condition in which your body’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances, such as dust, mold and pollen. These substances are called “allergens.” When you come into contact with an allergen your body responds by releasing a chemical called “histamine”. This leads to the uncomfortable symptoms of allergy.

Upper respiratory allergies
Upper respiratory allergies are characterized by nasal congestion, itching and sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Other names for these allergies include “hay fever,” “allergic rhinitis,” “indoor/outdoor allergies,” and “seasonal or perennial allergies.”

Why do some people and not others develop allergies?
Heredity plays an important role in allergies. If your parents have allergies you are more likely to have them, too, but you might be allergic to different things than your parents are.