For others, not so minor. Symptoms in the eyes, nose and throat can be so severe that they require treatment. And in people with asthma, the reaction is far more serious, and though not always triggered by allergies, when not properly treated, can be life threatening. Approximately half of the population experiences an allergic reaction at some point, reports Joseph Scherger, M.D., M.P.H., associate dean and chair of the Department of Family Medicine at UCI Medical Center. Others react year-round to indoor allergens such as household dust and animal dander.
Many unlucky sufferers fall into both categories.
The immune system is designed to react against foreign bodies. In some people though, certain antibodies released by cells in the nose, eyes and respiratory tract treat these substances as foreign, thus producing allergic symptoms. The best strategy for dealing with allergies is, obviously, to avoid exposure to the allergic triggers. Regular dusting by a non-allergic person is recommended. Air-conditioning may be helpful, but filters must be changed at least twice a year.