One out of every six children in the United States is allergic to one or more substances. An allergy is caused by a sensitivity to a substance or substances that a person inhales, eats or has skin contact with. Our immune system is designed to protect us from bacteria, viruses and infections. It does this by making antibodies that kill the invaders. In people with allergies the antibodies attack normal harmless substances, which are then called allergens.
Some common allergens are pollen, animal dander, mites, many foods, house dust and feathers.
Some symptoms of an allergy attack may be difficulty breathing, headaches, hives, redness, swelling or itching of the skin, nose bleeds, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and red itchy eyes. Another indication of allergies are dark shiny circles under the eyes and a puffy look to the face. Some allergies are seasonal and some are year round. Seasonal allergies tend to be related to pollens and plants where the respiratory system is affected every year at the same time. While chronic allergies are constant and are related to one of the other allergens that are in the environment year round such as dust, feathers or animal dander.