What is an allergy?   

Allergy is an abnormal functioning of the body's immune system, causing it to recognize ordinarily harmless substances and mount an immune response against them as though they were a harmful parasite. The irritation of tissues and effects of the chemicals released into the body as a result of the inappropriate immune response result in the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.      

Does everyone have some allergies?    

Allergic diseases are very common medical problems, just as are high blood pressure, arthritis, and elevated blood cholesterol, which also affect a large minority of people. However, in fact, most people are free of allergic diseases (just as the majority of people do not have high blood pressure, arthritis, or elevated cholesterol).

Can allergic diseases be fatal?    

Fatalities from allergic diseases are uncommon but do occur. Several thousand people in this country die every year of allergic medical problems including allergic asthma, insect sting allergy, food allergy (peanut allergy is the most notorious for lethal potential), and drug allergy.  

What is the most common allergy?       

Allergic sensitivity to airborne pollens of tree, grasses, and weeds. These cause allergic rhinitis (allergy affecting the eyes and nose, also called hay fever) and contribute to asthma. Allergy to airborne particles of an indoor microscopic insect known as house dust mite is a close second in humid climates such as Georgia (dust mites need high humidity to reproduce).    

What is the best treatment for allergic disorders?     

The best treatment, when feasible, is avoidance of the allergen. For example, the treatment of allergy to shrimp is to avoid eating it.

What can be done when the allergen is not avoidable or very difficult to avoid, as in the case of airborne pollens?    

When the allergen cannot be avoided, it is often possible to suppress the allergic reaction with medications such as antihistamines and anti-inflammatory steroids, taken internally or applied locally to the site of the allergic reaction. Especially when multiple medications or drugs with a potential to cause harmful side effects are needed frequently or continuously, desensitization to the allergen(s) (medically known as "allergen immunotherapy") may be necessary. This treatment, which is administered by allergy specialists, works by strengthening the immune system to overcome the allergic sensitivity long-term.    
               

What is the relationship between allergy to airborne substances and respiratory infections,
such as sinus infection and bronchitis?  

Sensitivity to airborne allergens (such as tree, grass, and weed pollens, dust mite, mold and mildew, and indoor animals) may predispose to persistent and recurrent respiratory infections by keeping the membranes of the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes continually irritated and swollen, and therefore less resistant to infection.