Addie Morfoot features reporter Itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing and sneezing are common symptoms for as many as 50 million Americans who suffer from allergic diseases. Genetic predisposition and the surrounding environment are often the source of allergies, said Dr. James E. Gern, an associate professor of pediatrics at the UW Medical School. An antibody called IgE or immunoglobin E is increased in people with allergies. Although the human immune system protects the body against most bacteria and viruses, the IgE antibody causes some people's immune system to react to certain harmless substances in their surroundings, Bush said. When a substance such as pollen lands on the nose and connects with the IgE antibodies, histamine within these tissue cells is released, which causes symptoms of allergy.
Allergies are due to substances such as mold, dust, foods, chemicals, animals and pollen.
Hay fever or pollen allergy is the most prevalent allergy. Although the symptoms of a common cold and allergies are similar, they are not identical, Gern said. Allergies also occur at the same time each year. As the temperature begins to increase, many students are struggling to control their allergies. I don't usually take anything, but if it gets really bad I will take Allegra or Tylenol Sinus.