 ALLERGIES
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances.
It is misguided because these foreign substances are usually harmless and remain so to non- allergic people.
Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens." Examples of allergens include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and foods.
To understand the language of allergy it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.
When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it.
When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic.
Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."
Allergy Facts
(1)It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions.
(2)The cost of allergies in the United States is more than $10 billion dollars yearly.
(3)Hay fever affects about 35 million Americans, 6 million of whom are children.
(4)Asthma affects 15 million Americans, 5 million of whom are children.
(5)The number of cases of asthma has doubled over the last 20 years.
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