Living with Allergies

When you have allergies, your immune system reacts to a foreign substance (an allergen) as if it were dangerous, even though it is harmless to others. A doctor uses clinical and family histories, physical examination, and skin and laboratory tests to diagnosis allergic disease and identify potential allergic triggers. Allergy symptoms can be successfully relieved through a combination of allergen avoidance, allergy medications and immunotherapy.

The best way to manage allergies is to learn about your allergens and triggers, avoid allergens and take your medication appropriately. For example, if you have pollen allergies, learn when pollen season starts in your area and take allergy medications before allergy symptoms start.