Do You Have Allergies?

How do allergies develop?

Allergies are a malfunction of the immune system that causes the body to perceive harmless things in nature (pollen, pet dander, etc.) as foreign invading armies. The immune system reacts by releasing chemicals into the body (such as histamine) that lead to irritating allergy symptoms.

Symptoms often include:

• Sneezing
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Chronic sinusitis
• Asthma
• Frequent ear infections

Other symptoms that may be less common (but no less debilitating) are also strong indicators of  allergic disease:

• Skin rashes (eczema, hives, angioedema)
• Respiratory effects (continual colds, chronic cough, frequent bronchitis)
• Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye)
• Nasal polyps
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Mental effects (slow thinking, depression, forgetfulness)

If you have one or more of these symptoms, call the Family Allergy Clinic at 1-480-827-9945 to find out if  allergy treatment is right for you.