Allergy Information

allergy, allergies

Gesundheit! Find Online Relief for Your Allergies

Allergies can range from being minor inconveniences to life-threatening emergencies. Whether you, someone you love or someone you take care of has an allergy, developing a thorough understanding of allergies and allergic reactions can prepare you to make smart decisions about living with the condition. With the Allergies Web Guide, you'll learn what kinds of allergies there are, what triggers them, how they affect humans, how they can be prevented, and much more.

Allergy 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. Read on to discover more helpful allergy information.

Insights for Allergy Information

  • 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 this guide.

Top Sites for Allergy Information

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Allergy Types

Although people can be allergic to just about anything, some allergies are more common than others. It's important to have a good understanding of your allergy and the kind of reaction you can expect. This section directs you to sources of information on different allergy types, so you can learn what to expect from a reaction.

Insights for Allergy Types

  • Some Web sites cover many types of allergies with sections specific to the ones you're looking for. Some allergies have a lot in common with others, so it could be interesting to read up on related types of allergies.
  • Allergies can change so if you find yourself facing new symptoms or reactions, don't rely on a Web site. Rather, contact your health care professional. New symptoms might mean an increase in the severity of an allergy or nothing at all but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Top Sites for Allergy Types

For all common allergies ...
For outdoor, airborne, insect, animal and skin allergies ...
For food allergies ...
For latex allergies ...
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Children and Allergies

Having an allergy may make a child feel isolated. Not being able to eat food at birthday parties, share food at recess, eat out with friends at a fast food joint or visit places that might have allergens present are some of the situations that may cause a child to feel different from his or her peers. The resources on children and allergies are designed to help them understand their condition.

Insights for Children and Allergies

  • Children and teens often don't like to be different. Although there is some great information about allergies on the Web, they may not want to go to the sites, or read the material. Try printing out the information and leave it lying around where it will be found by your child. He or she may not admit to reading it, but curiosity often gets the better of them and they may have a look.
  • School projects are a good way to get children interested in allergies. There's something fascinating about the human body and how it reacts to things. If you can combine a child's allergies with a science project, for example, the Web can provide a lot of valuable information, and your child is learning at the same time. More projects for teachers and parents are listed in the "Living With Allergies as a Child" section of this guide.

Top Sites for Children and Allergies

For general advice ...
Allergy advice for kids ...
Allergy advice for teachers ...
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Allergy Treatment

There are a variety of ways to treat allergies, including medication, prevention and by nullifying symptoms. The method and effectiveness of an allergy treatment depends on the type of allergy and how severe it is. In this section you'll find more information about how allergies can be treated.

Insights for Allergy Treatment

  • Not all allergy treatments work for everyone and sometimes treatments stop working after a while. It's important to keep open communication with your allergist to be sure that any changes or concerns are addressed as soon as possible.
  • Children may resist treatment that's uncomfortable or inconvenient. If your child is having difficulty with his or her treatment plan, enlist the help of health care professionals. They will likely have treatments that are child-friendly and may be able to help by teaching you some tricks of the trade.

Top Sites for Allergy Treatment

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Find an Allergy Doctor

Sometimes finding an allergy doctor can be as simple as asking for a referral from your family physician or a trusted friend, or you may have to find one on your own. Although it's not a requirement to be certified by the American Board of Allergy & Immunology to be called an allergist, specialists who are board certified are often more committed to the specialty, and may be able to provide better care. Learn how to find a specialist by using the sites below.

Insights for Finding an Allergy Doctor

  • Some allergists specialize in treating children. If you're looking for an allergist for your child, try going through your local children's hospital or a pediatrician.

Top Sites for Finding an Allergy Doctor

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Allergy Research and News

News about allergies can include food recalls due to products that have come into contact with allergens, and the newest breakthroughs in allergy research. This section provides links to sources of allergy research and news, and information to help you understand and manage your allergy.

Insights for Allergy Research and News

  • The research journals published by allergy research foundations are a great way to keep up on the latest scientific news and breakthroughs, but articles tend to be written in an academic voice, and can be difficult for the layman to understand.
  • Many sites have link sections where they recommend other sites with quality information. A general rule is that trusted, respectable sites often recommend other reliable sources. Use this information to broaden your search efforts.
  • One helpful way to monitor your allergies is by checking the pollen count for your area on the sites listed below.

Top Sites for Allergy Research and News

For general allergy news ...
For finding out the pollen count ...
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Allergy Support

One great thing that has come out of the Web is the ability to connect with others who have similar interests, goals, hobbies—even illnesses. Use the allergy support sites below to find  forums for exchanging information, newsletters and expert advice.

Insights for Allergy Support

  • When exchanging information on a public forum, remember that what you write is visible for anyone to see, even in forums that require registration. Think carefully before posting private or sensitive information in an online forum.
  • Public forums are just that: public. Pretty much anyone can join and add their two cents to a discussion. When reading about tips and tricks, cures or treatments, remember that you have no way to judge the author's credibility. Though it's good to gather as much information as you can, bring it to a health care professional who can help you decide if the information is legitimate.

Top Sites for Allergy Support

For allergy discussion ...
For allergy blogs ...
For allergy support groups ...
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Anaphylactic Shock and Allergic Reactions

Despite every precaution, allergy emergencies can happen. What's important is that when it does happen, you stay calm and react quickly. You're more likely to panic if you don't know what to do or if you aren't prepared. Use the sites below to learn more about anaphylactic shock and allergic reactions.

Insights for Anaphylactic Shock and Allergic Reactions

  • Taking a first aid or CPR course can give you the tools to manage an emergency and the confidence you need to remain calm. It's well worth the time investment for both you and the ones you love.

Top Sites for Anaphylactic Shock and Allergic Reactions

For tips in case of allergy emergency ...
For first aid courses ...
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Allergy Control Products

Thanks to the Internet, many allergy stores and their products are accessible through your computer. This section provides a few Web sites that sell allergy control products for people with various types of allergies.

Insights for Allergy Control Products

  • Products like EpiPens and certain medications are only available by prescription. You should always get these items through your doctor, not a Web site.
  • When shopping for food, read labels carefully. If you don't trust something, go with your instinct. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Top Sites for Allergy Control Products

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