Support Services Handout Series
Number 1001 Student Health Information Sheet
Allergies

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY:

An unusual reaction or sensitivity to an allergen, a substance which doesn't bother most people. The most common are:

1. pollens of trees, grasses, shrubs
2. molds
3. dust
4. foods
5. feathers
6. cosmetics
7. drugs
8. insect stings

WHY ARE ALLERGIES IMPORTANT: They affect 17% of the population, especially young people.

WHO GETS ALLERGIES:

Millions of people

1. Most begin in childhood Most run in families; children of parents with allergies are more apt to get allergies
2. If a person is allergic to one thing, chances are good that other related substances will also cause that person problems

How does a person get THE ALLERGENS which cause allergies:

1. Inhalation - breathing in dust, pollens, molds Ingestion - swallowing foods or drugs that cause reactions
2. Contact - touching poisonous plants or substances which cause reactions

The most common allergy is hay fever which is caused by airborne pollens and means a seasonal runny nose, stuffiness, itchy eyes. Hay fever, of course, is not caused by Hay and doesn't produce a fever.

What Can You Do To Minimize the Discomfort of Allergies:

1. If your symptoms become severe enough to cause loss of work or school time, see a doctor who specializes in allergy treatment. Avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Consult your pharmacist about allergy relief medication which can be purchased over the counter. REMEMBER Antihistamines cause drowsiness and should not be taken before driving or combined with alcohol Don't participate in outside activities (jogging, tennis, etc.) in the late afternoons, because the pollen counts are highest then. Spend as much time indoors with air conditioning as possible. Fans spread pollens. REMEMBER: Car vents are open "scoops" of airborne pollens, insecticide sprays, dust, etc. Keep car vents and windows shut if you have allergies. Wear a paper filter mask when cutting the grass. Consider an electronic filter for your home. Choose an ocean vacation over a trip to the mountains.
2. Check the daily pollen count (radio, TV, paper) low is under 10, 40-80 is medium, over 100 is high. Stay indoors when it goes over 80.

Developed by: Jan Kemper and Brenda Thaxton

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