What is it?
Allergies reflect an overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals. These substances can trigger sneezing, wheezing, coughing and itching. Allergies are not only bothersome, but many have been linked to a variety of common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses (such as sinusitis and asthma). Additionally, allergic reactions can be severe and even fatal. However, with proper management and patient education, allergic diseases can be controlled, and people with allergies can lead normal and productive lives.

What causes it?
The substances that cause allergic disease in people are known as allergens. “Antigens,” protein particles like pollen, food or dander, enter our bodies through a variety of ways. If the antigen causes an allergic reaction, that particle is considered an “allergen” – and antigen that triggers an allergic reaction. These allergens can get into our body in several ways:

• Inhaled into the nose and the lungs. Examples are airborne pollens of certain trees, grasses and weeds; house dust that include dust mite particles, mold spores, cat and dog dander and latex dust.
• Ingested by mouth. Frequent culprits include shrimp, peanuts and other nuts.
• Injected. Such as medications delivered by needle like penicillin or other injectable drugs, and venom from insect stings and bites.
• Absorbed through the skin. Plants such as poison ivy, sumac and oak and latex are examples.

How does it affect my job?
Allergy symptoms and the medications used to treat allergies can lead to challenges for the estimated 20 to 50 million U.S. workers afflicted with this seasonal and sometimes chronic condition. Allergy symptoms are the number two cause of absenteeism in the workplace, with the average worker missing one hour per week over a 12-month period. This usually occurs in cycles, with the majority of absences coming during allergy “season.” During those periods, missed work time can exceed three days per week.

Allergy symptoms, like sneezing, nasal congestion and headache, may make it difficult to concentrate. Every work environment will have specific allergy problems so talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about how you can prevent allergies at your specific workplace.

Can it be prevented or treated?
There are some simple things you can do to prevent allergies at home, work school, outside and when you travel.

• Dust to control mites. By dusting surfaces and washing bedding often, you can control the amount of dust mites in your home.
• Vacuum often. Although cleaning can sometimes trigger allergic reactions, with dust in the air, vacuuming once or twice a week will reduce the surface dust mites. Wear a mask when doing housework and consider leaving for a few hours after you clean to avoid allergens in the air. You can also make sure your vacuum has an air filter to capture dust.
• Reduce pet dander. If you have allergies, you should avoid pets with feathers or fur like birds, dogs and cats. Animal saliva and dead skin, or pet dander , can cause allergic reactions. If you can’t bear to part with your pet, you should at least keep it out of the bedroom.
• Shut out pollen. When you clean your windows, do you see a film of pollen on the frame or sill? One easy way to prevent pollen from entering your home is to keep windows and doors closed. Use an air filter and clean it regularly or run the air conditioner and change the filter often.
• Avoid mold spores. Mold spores grow in moist areas. If you reduce the moisture in the bathroom and kitchen, you will reduce the mold. Fix any leaks inside and outside of your home and clean moldy surfaces. Plants can carry pollen and mold too, so limit the number of houseplants. Dehumidifiers will also help reduce mold.