Gesundheit! Find Online Relief for Your Allergies
Expand All Guide SectionsAllergy Information
Our immune systems are the biological systems that help us fight off potentially harmful, illness-causing viruses and bacteria within our bodies. And while it might follow that a very active immune system equates a very healthy person, it's an over-active immune system that causes allergies. If you have an allergy, your immune system is hyper-alert when exposed to a certain substance. IgE, one of the many antibodies in our immune systems, exists to fight allergens. IgE attaches itself to a blood cell, called the mast cell, where it lies in wait for you to be exposed to the allergen. Mast cells are most common in the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, stomach), nose, eyes, and lungs. Once you are exposed to your allergen, the mast cells release chemicals (like histamine) and cause your reaction.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Allergies are a common, prevalent health condition in the United States. For this reason, most consumer health Web sites have some degree of information about them. To learn which sites to visit when conducting further research, consult the findingDulcinea Health Guide.
- In general, the best, most authoritative information on allergies comes from the sites of research foundations, professional societies, clinics, and consumer health sites. You'll find links to all such sites in the Picks in this guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
Allergy Types
Although people can be allergic to just about anything, some allergies are more common than others. ... read more »
Children and Allergies
Having an allergy may make a child feel isolated. Not being able to eat food at birthday parties, ... read more »
Living with Allergies as a Child
Having a child with allergies, particularly life-threatening allergies, can be challenging. In an ... read more »
Allergy Treatment
There are a variety of ways to treat allergies, including medication, prevention, and by nullifying ... read more »
Find an Allergy Doctor
Sometimes finding the right allergist can be as simple as asking for a referral from your family ... read more »
Allergy News and Research
News about allergies can range from food recalls due to products that have come into contact with ... read more »
Allergy Support
One great thing that has come out of the Web is the ability to connect with others who have similar ... read more »
Anaphylactic Shock and Allergic Reactions
Despite every precaution we can take, allergy emergencies can happen. What's important is that when ... read more »
Allergy Control Products
Where you buy products for your allergies depends on what your allergy is and where you are. Thanks ... read more »
