All Entries Tagged With: "Allergy"
Wow! Allergy is pretty complex, isn't it?
It is complex, too complex to explain completely in this brief overview. We explore the complex mechanisms of allergy, its different manifestations, its triggers and methods for bringing it under control in this website. It’s a lot of information, so let’s get started.
Where does allergic tendency come from?
It is inherited. Although allergies themselves are not inherited, the genetic predisposition to develop them is. If one or both of your parents have allergies, you are more likely to develop an allergic condition.
Getting back to those kids with eczema who later develop other allergies, are they simply more prone to allergy than other people?
Yes. Some people are considered atopic, meaning they have a tendency to develop allergic reactions.
Can I take it allergies can't be cured?
Not really. As we said, it is possible for a person to grow out of an allergy or experience a reduction in allergy symptoms, but there is no medical cure for allergy.
Do people ever grow out of allergies?
Some people do. Allergies can change with time. Symptoms can improve or become worse, allergies can disappear, or new allergies can develop.
Who develops allergy?
Allergy is an equal opportunity disease: It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic factors. Children are more likely than adults to develop allergies, but a first attack can occur at any age.
How common is allergy?
Approximately 50 million Americans1 in 5have allergies, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Hay fever alone prompted 9.2 million visits to the doctor in 1994, the latest year for which information is available from the National Centre for Health Statistics.
serious Allergic reactions aren't the norm in people with allergies, are they?
Fortunately, no. For the vast majority of people, allergy simply causes discomfort and inconvenience. But that’s not to downplay the significance of allergy, which in 1990 (the latest year in which these statistics were studied) accounted for more than 9.3 percent of all missed workdays and cost society more than $1.8 billion in direct and indirect costs, including lost wages and health care.
What types of reactions does allergic attack produce?
Allergic reactions can manifest themselves in many ways and may involve any part or system of the body. When most people think of allergy, they think of the sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes of what is called hay fever.