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.
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. 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
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
has a glossary that's a good place to start your allergy research. The most commonly used words in allergy conversation are listed alphabetically, accompanied by their definitions.
MedlinePlus
has a page on allergies with a good description of what they are. The definition is accompanied by some quality illustrations to help flesh out your understanding.
National Jewish Health
has an allergy page with an overview of their causes. In the text, there's a link to a description of how the body's immune system works. There are also "Frequently Asked Questions" about allergies and asthma.
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 ...
Mayo Clinic
covers many of the most common allergies in North America. They include drug allergies, hay fever, mold allergies, pet allergies and many more. Expect to find information on what the allergies are, their signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, when to seek medical help, screening and diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
For outdoor, airborne, insect, animal and skin allergies ...
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has an extensive "Summer Allergy Guide" that discusses different types of allergies such as outdoor allergies, stinging insect allergies and hay fever. Some of the articles go back a few years, but they are still valid and provide good, commonsense advice.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
offers a 40-page PDF document providing a good overview of airborne allergies like dust mites, mold and animals, among others. It discusses diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a thorough section devoted to skin allergies, providing links to statistics, when to see a dermatologist and tips to remember.
For food allergies ...
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
provides many downloadable and printable fact sheets. Look for information on food allergies and food allergy action plans in both English and Spanish. There are guidelines for living with food allergies as students, tips for managing allergies when camping and suggestions on how to manage food allergies in an emergency shelter.
FamilyDoctor.org
has a concise page on food allergies that debunks nine common myths associated with food allergies. Think you know a thing or two about these types of allergies? Read on to find out if what you know is fact or fiction.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has information on food allergy that discusses the eight most common allergy-inducing foods, along with links to more detailed information.
For latex allergies ...
American Latex Allergy Association
addresses many of the issues that affect people who are allergic to latex. The FAQ page includes links to symptoms and common latex products. The Ask the Expert link provides answers to questions such as "How do I prepare for latex-safe emergency care?"
FamilyDoctor.org
has a page on latex allergies that covers symptoms, risk factors, the connection between latex and food allergies, and some common items that have latex in them.
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 ...
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
offers information on allergies in school and offers ways to cope before school begins and during the school day.
The Consortium on Children's Asthma Camps
has a clickable map of the United States that allows you to find a camp for asthmatic children in a specific area. A camp toolkit prepares your child for camp, and has health history forms, and a pre-camp guide. Professionals can also use this site for asthma education.
Allergic Living
is a Canadian magazine for people with food and environmental allergies, and asthma. Here you'll find a list of allergy-friendly summer camps in Canada for children with allergies and asthma.
Allergy advice for kids ...
FaanKids
is part of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. This site is designed for kids with lots of friendly graphics, activities, quizzes and contests to help them learn more about food allergies. There's also plenty of content for the friends of children who have allergies, designed to help them learn how to be a "PAL" (Protect A Life) from food allergies.
KidsHealth
has pages specifically for kids and teens with allergies. The children's pages explain what allergies are, the differences between colds and allergies, taking control and how to fight allergies. For older kids, allergies and their medications are explained in teen-friendly language. These articles are also available in Spanish; look for the "En Español" tab on the main navigation bar for each page.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a "Just For Kids" section for children to learn about allergies. Videos, storybooks, games and puzzles help kids relate to the symptoms of allergies.
Allergy advice for teachers ...
Allergy ABCs
has a "Teachers" section that discusses how children may feel before an allergic reaction comes on and things that teachers can do to minimize allergy risks.
AllergyKids.com
has a "Safe@School" PDF document that reviews how to care for children with allergies using the CARE code: Comprehending the basics about food allergies, Avoidance of the food allergen, Recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and Emergency Action Plan.
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
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
discusses managing emergencies that result from severe allergic reactions. Links lead to symptoms of anaphylaxis, the severe reaction to allergens that can affect your breathing and an anaphylaxis emergency plan.
Mayo Clinic
has a section on the options available in allergy treatment. Find an extensive chart that lists different medications by type, and includes their purpose and side effects.
FamilyDoctor.org
has a page on controlling symptoms that offers good tips on how to minimize your exposure to common allergens. The site also covers anaphylaxis.
Familydoctor.org
also has this very helpful page on anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when you have been exposed to an allergen. Anaphylaxis can and has caused deaths, so this is an important topic to learn about.
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
- To ensure your allergist is board certified in the United States, contact the American Board of Medical Specialties; the American Board of Allergy & Immunology is the section that certifies allergists.
- 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
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a search function that allows you to find a specialist in your area by entering your city, state or zip code. Searches aren't limited to the United States, and include Canada, Europe, Asia, Central America, South America and Australia.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
site has a physician locater to search for allergists in the United States.
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 ...
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a "Allergy & Asthma Issues" newsletter online. Interesting topics like ocular allergies and Chinese herbal remedies are covered.
Allergy
is a publication with the latest allergies research. Although you can't read the full articles unless you have a subscription, many of the articles do have abstracts that you can read for free. After a certain amount of time has passed, some articles then become freely available in PDF format.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
is published on behalf of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This journal also makes available some abstracts that you can access without a subscription. Over time articles become freely available in PDF format.
Alert4Allergy.org
is a valuable Web site for people in the United Kingdom who have allergies. By signing up, you can be informed of food alerts when foods have been contaminated with allergens that would affect you.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a "Patients & Consumers" section with news headlines and articles of interest to allergy sufferers.
For finding out the pollen count ...
The National Allergy Bureau
has a clickable map of the United States so you can see what the daily pollen count is for your area. Not all areas are covered or consistently updated.
The Weather Channel
Web site lets you enter your city or zip code to learn the pollen count. It lists tree, grass and weed pollen conditions.
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 ...
Natural Rubber Latex Allergy Discussion Group
is an e-mail list that you can join to discuss all aspects of latex allergy, from research to treatment.
Allergy Discussion Group
is hosted at the same site as the latex group above and covers all types of human allergies. It hosts an e-mail list that you can join to discuss various allergies and the issues people with allergies encounter.
For allergy blogs ...
My Kids' Allergies
is a blog written by a mother of two young children, one of whom is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, cats, dust mites and mold. The blog discusses her experience with children's allergies, and provides insight for parents and caregivers. Use the blogroll on the left to find other allergy blogs and useful allergy Web sites.
Please Don't Pass The Nuts
is a blog written by "Allergic Girl," a young New Yorker chronicling the culinary experience of living with allergies to salmon, tree nuts, lemongrass, many types of melons, tropical fruits and nightshade veggies. Restaurant reviews, recipes and insight on eating well despite a restrictive diet make this blog a must-read.
Gluten Free Blog
is a go-to guide for gluten-free recipes and the discussion of pressing issues in "the Celiac and Wheat-Free" community. For more gluten-free reading, see the blogs and links listed on the right.
For allergy support groups ...
AllergicChild.com
has a "Food Allergy Support Group" page that helps you find support groups throughout the United States and in a handful of other countries.
AllergyMoms
is a site devoted to parents of kids with food allergies. Their "Support Group" page lists nonprofit advocacy groups, child/teen groups, national online organizations, local U.S. groups by state and Canadian support groups by province.
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 ...
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
offers another version of an asthma/allergy action card that may prove helpful for your childcare provider in case of an emergency.
EpiPen
is an auto-injector used in "emergency treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions." Watch a video on how to use an EpiPen effectively (the video is also available in Spanish) or download the patient package insert for more information.
WebMD
covers anaphylactic shock and the symptoms, triggers and treatments of anaphylaxis.
For first aid courses ...
American Red Cross
offers first aid and CPR courses to the general public. Enter your zip code to find your local Red Cross office and find out where courses are being offered near you.
American Heart Association
promotes CPR courses as one of its mandates. Enter your state or zip code to find CPR courses near you.
FirstAidWeb
offers self-guided online CPR and first aid courses. These would be a good idea for those people who are not able to attend in-person classes.
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
Allergy Relief 101
discusses many products aimed toward people with allergies and has reviews of all kinds of items, including dryer balls and vacuum cleaners.
AllergyBuyers.com
sells all kinds of products for allergy sufferers. Find cleaning supplies, air purifiers, bedding and more.
Allergy Grocer
sells "foods you can eat." Search for items by brand or allergen. The site features regular specials and a blog on issues of interest to allergy sufferers.
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