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. Through the Web you'll learn what kinds of allergies there are, what triggers them, how they affect humans, how they can be prevented, and much more. Take the next step toward making your life easier and safer!
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
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
has a glossary that is a good place to start your allergy research. The most commonly used words in allergy conversation are listed alphabetically, accompanied by their definitions. On the left-hand side of the page there's a link bringing you to a toll-free number (for the United States) you can call for information about allergies. There are also several videos on allergy basics and related topics.
MedlinePlus
has a page on allergies in its "Medical Encyclopedia" with a good description of what they are. The definition is accompanied by some quality illustrations to help flesh out your understanding.
The National Jewish Medical and Research Center
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.
Allergies in America
is a site based on a survey of nasal allergy sufferers. The authors discuss allergy basics, the prevalence of allergy, its effect on daily life, and more. There's also a link to the full survey findings in both PowerPoint and PDF format. You must register to be able to look at this section but the process is quick and free, and you are logged in immediately after registering.
Allergy Types
Although people can be allergic to just about anything, some allergies are more common than others. Our bodies react to different allergens in a variety of ways, meaning the signs and symptoms of various allergies differ, from the benign to the life threatening. 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 the more prevalent allergies, so you can learn what to expect from a reaction.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Some Web sites cover many types of allergies with sections specific to the ones you are 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, please contact your healthcare 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.
Dulcinea's Picks
For all common allergies ...
The Mayo Clinic
"Allergy" page covers many of the most common allergies in North America. They include drug allergies, hay fever, mold allergies, pet allergies, and many more. Click individual links for information on each specific allergy. 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 ...
The 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. Each topic area is linked to helpful resources like an article on how to camp safely with outdoor allergies, and a video about flying insects and allergies. Some of the articles go back a few years, but they are still valid and provide good, commonsense advice.
The National Jewish Medical and Research Center
has a page that addresses the seasonal allergies that affect many people. It overviews common springtime allergies (pollen, spring cleaning), summertime (stinging insects, traveling), fall (ragweed, Halloween candies), and winter allergies (Christmas trees, foods). While these allergens can affect people at any time of the year, their presence during certain seasons and times of the year makes them more common.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
has a link to 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.
The 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 the general public with many downloadable and printable fact sheets. This section discusses food allergies and provides 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. The site also offers posters for restaurants to alert people about the dangers of food allergies.
The Familydoctor.org
site 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.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a food allergy fact sheet that's available to print. The fact sheet discusses the six most common allergy-inducing foods, how to read food labels, and how to work with children who have food allergies.
For latex allergies ...
The American Latex Allergy Association
addresses many of the issues that affect people who are allergic to latex. The "Frequently Asked Questions" page includes links to symptoms and common latex products on the left. The "Ask the Expert" link provides answers to questions such as "How do I prepare for latex-safe emergency care?" Because latex is in many things around us, including items you might not expect, it's important to know as much as you can about latex allergies.
The American Academy of Family Physicians
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. Thus, encouraging a child to cope with an allergy can be difficult. The resources here are aimed directly at children and young teens, and are designed to help them understand their condition.
Dulcinea's Insight
- 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 "How can my child lead a normal life with allergies?" section of this guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
The Food Allergy Website
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.
The National Jewish Medical and Research Center
has an "Allergy Wizard" site where children can go to learn about allergies. Allergy testing, going to school with allergies, and surviving the holidays with allergies are some of the topics covered. There is also an e-mail form that children can use to ask the wizard any allergy-related questions.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
has a "Just for Kids" section for children to learn about allergies. Coloring book pages featuring characters like Annie Histamine and Scuzzbucket help kids relate to the symptoms of allergies. You can order storybooks on asthma and allergies for your child, or your child can play an interactive online game that lets them identify allergy triggers in the classroom.
The Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
has an extensive site tailored to children with asthma. Topics like how asthma feels and how to wash your hands are explained in a child-friendly way. Travel tips, stories of kids making a difference, and games and puzzles are also valuable resources.
Living with Allergies as a Child
Having a child with allergies, particularly life-threatening allergies, can be challenging. In an effort to keep your child safe, you may feel compelled to keep him or her at home under a watchful eye. But no child can live in a bubble because activities like school, friends, travel, and camp are essential parts of childhood. In addition to teaching your children how to cope with their allergies, you can also learn how to help them live normally using the sites in this section.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you're a teacher, make sure to keep track of the children in your class who have allergies. Although it is the child or parent's responsibility to manage the allergies, it's important to be able to quickly identify or prevent a reaction whenever possible.
- More projects and advice for parents and teachers are listed in the "How can I teach my child to be responsible for their allergy?" section of this guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general advice ...
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a page that deals with the topic of traveling with allergies. It discusses modes of transportation, staying with other people, and ways to prevent situations that may cause allergic reactions. Another helpful page contains a discussion of allergies in school and offers ways to cope before school begins and during the school day.
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
site has a page devoted to its "School Food Allergy Programs" designed for elementary, intermediate, and high schools. School representatives can apply online for the free program, available in DVD or VHS formats. Links to PDF guides on managing food allergies at camp and at colleges and universities are available on the left.
The Consortium on Children's Asthma Camps
is a site devoted to camping fun for children with asthma. This page 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.
For teacher-specific advice ...
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 in Schools
is a United Kingdom-based Web site with a section for teachers and other staff members who care for children with allergies. This section discusses what allergies are, common allergens, and suggests emergency action using hypothetical situations.
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.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Not all allegery 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 healthcare professionals who are used to dealing with children and teens. They will likely have treatments that are child-friendly and may be able to help by teaching you some tricks of the trade.
Dulcinea's Picks
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Web site discusses managing emergencies that result from severe allergic reactions. Using the S.A.F.E. approach (Seek help immediately, identify the Allergen, Follow up with a specialist, and carry Epinephrine for emergencies), this site clearly outlines some emergency situations that can arise. Links lead to you symptoms of anaphylaxis, the severe reaction to allergens that can affect your breathing, and an anaphylaxis emergency plan.
The Mayo Clinic
has a section on the many options available in allergy treatment. With an extensive chart that lists different medications by type, and includes their purpose and side effects, people can see why their doctor may have prescribed a certain medication.
Allergies in America
has a "Living With & Treatment" page that reviews the different types of treatments for allergies.
Familydoctor.org
has a page on controlling symptoms that offers good tips on how to minimize your exposure to common allergens. Lower on this page is a section on allergy medications and a description of what allergy shots do. This article is also available in Spanish.
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 the right allergist 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 following Web sites.
Dulcinea's Insight
- To ensure your allergist is board certified in the United States, you can 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 to find such an allergist.
Dulcinea's Picks
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a "Find an Allergist" 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.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
site has a physician locater to search for allergists in the United States.
Allergy News and Research
News about allergies can range from food recalls due to products that have come into contact with allergens, to the newest breakthroughs in allergy research. This section provides links to sources of late-breaking news and information to help you understand and manage your allergy.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The research journals published by allergy research foundations are a great way to keep up on the latest scientific news and breakthroughs. However, articles tend to be written in an academic voice, and can be difficult for the layman to understand.
- Many sites have links 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 you search efforts.
- One helpful way to monitor your allergies is by checking the pollen count for your area on the sites listed below.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general allergy news ...
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has posted an "Allergy & Asthma Advocate Patient Newsletter" online with links to the latest issues. Interesting topics like ocular allergies and Chinese herbal remedies are covered.
Allergy, the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
is a publication with latest allergies research. While 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 Society of Pediatric 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.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
is the official magazine of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. If you have a subscription you can read articles for free; if not, you can buy individual articles for $15 each. Abstracts can be browsed for free.
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 where foods have been contaminated with allergens that would affect you.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
has a "Patients and Consumers" section with a topic of the month that is written by an allergist.
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 has this page where you can type in your city or zip code to learn the pollen count. It lists tree, grass, and weed pollen conditions. Also check out the "Indoor Allergy Meter" to check levels of mold, dust, and other home allergens.
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. There are forums for exchanging information, newsletters to receive, and even sites where you can ask questions of experts. Here are a few sites that can put you in touch with others who have allergies, or with parents who are dealing with children who have allergies.
Dulcinea's Insight
- 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. While it's good to gather as much information as you can, bring it to a healthcare professional who can help you decide if the information you're receiving is legitimate.
Dulcinea's Picks
For discussion ...
The 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.
The 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 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 extremely helpful 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 further gluten-free reading, see the blogs and links listed on the right side of the page.
AllerJeez
is a blog maintained by the mom of a young child who has many food allergies. Search the archives for previous entries or leave comments on entries as they are published.
For support groups ...
AllergicChild.com
has a "Food Allergy Support Group" page that helps you find support groups throughout the United States (listed by state) and in a handful of other countries (Australia, Canada, Guam, Ireland, South Africa, Switzerland, Italy, and the United Kingdom).
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 we can take, 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. This section provides you with some sites that can explain what happens in an allergy emergency and what steps you should take to get it under control.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Knowing how to react is an important step in assisting someone who needs help. But before you act, you'll need to call for help. Be sure you have a phone handy, as well as knowledge of your location, so you can quickly and efficiently alert emergency responders when necessary.
- 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.
Dulcinea's Picks
For tools and planning tips in case of emergency ...
FoodAllergy.org
offers this emergency action plan that can be tailored for your child. The plan asks for identifying information, as well as information about the allergies, the reactions, and treatments. Complete and print the form to have on hand at school for teachers, monitors, or daycare attendants.
The 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
has an "Allergies Health Center" that covers anaphylactic shock and the symptoms, triggers, and treatments of anaphylaxis.
For first aid courses ...
The 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.
The American Heart Association
promotes CPR courses as one of its mandates. Enter your state or zip code to find CPR courses near you.
FirstAidWeb Inc.
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
Where you buy products for your allergies depends on what your allergy is and where you are. Thanks to the Internet, many stores and their products are accessible through your computer. This section provides a few Web sites that sell products for people with various types of allergies.
Dulcinea's Insight
- 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.
Dulcinea's Picks
Allergy Relief 101
discusses many products aimed toward people with allergies and has reviews on all kinds of items, from dryer balls to vacuum cleaners.
Allergy Free
is a store and informative allergy Web site based in Australia. They offer products for people suffering with all kinds of allergies, chemical sensitivities, and intolerances. Shop by allergic condition or department to find the special products you need.
It's Nut Free
is a Web site based in the United Kingdom where you can find nut-free treats for the sweet tooth in you. They have a monthly newsletter and a nut-free cookbook for purchase.
AlerG
(pronounced aller-gee) is a U.S.-based site that has a whole catalog of products for people with allergies including items like nasal irrigators, dust mite-free bedding, nontoxic cleaners, and more. They offer free shipping on orders over $150.
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
