1. A LLERGY A WARENESS

2. OVERVIEW One out of 5 Americans suffer from some sort of allergy Most allergies are inherited Allergens affect different people in different ways Ingested –reaction is in mouth, stomach, and intestines Each person has an “ Allergic Threshold”

3. W HAT IS AN ALLERGY ? A condition in which your body’s immune system reacts with unusual sensibility to a certain substance(s) Allergen / Trigger Antibodies Histamine Allergy Symptoms

4. T HE IMPACT OF ALLERGIES Allergic Rhinitis is the sixth most prevalent chronic condition in the US 50 million Americans suffer from allergies 3.8 million school and work days are lost per year The cost of allergies in the United States is more than $10 billion dollars yearly.

5. S YMPTOMS Mild – does not spread to other parts of the body Moderate – can spread to other parts of the body Severe – response is sudden and affects the whole body Can be Life-Threatening

6. COMMON TRIGGERS

7. C OMMON ALLERGY TRIGGERS POLLEN Male component of the plant’s reproductive system Spring: Trees Summer: grass and weeds Fall: weeds; primarily ragweed Hay fever is caused by mold releasing its reproductive cell ( spores)

8. C OMMON ALLERGY TRIGGERS MOLD Molds flourish in warm, moist and dimly lighted areas of your home Mold grows well in many surfaces Once, established a mold colony is visible as spots or streaks The spores contain the allergen and once airborne and inhaled your allergy symtoms begin

9. C OMMON ALLERGY TRIGGERS DERMATOPHAOIDES Better known as the Dust Mite Skin eating creatures Thrive in fabric exposed to warmth and moisture where flakes of human skin are abundant You’ll find them in mattresses, carpets, drapes, towels, and clothing Most common allergen

10. C OMMON ALLERGY TRIGGERS PETS Eleven million people are allergic to cats alone About 15% of us are allergic to animals Caused by proteins secreted by oil glands in Pet skin Pet saliva As pets groom themselves, they transfer the allergen to their hair and skin The allergens are then broken off into tiny flakes called “Dander”

11. C OMMON ALLERGY TRIGGERS FOOD Usually a protein found in food Peanut allergy is responsible for more fatalities than any other type of allergy More common in children than adults Children can grow out of them; adults have them for life Symptoms are usually mild. Rash, stuffy nose, stomach ache Anaphylaxis usually starts within an hour after you eat the food, and the symptoms can come back 1 to 2 hours later.

12. T OP 8 FOOD A LLERGENS Milk Eggs Peanut butter Tree nut, ( walnut, cashew) Soy Shellfish Fish Wheat

13. T REATMENT AND C ARE

14. M ANAGEMENT S TRATEGIES Avoidance Critical factor in managing allergies since it deals directly with reducing the mechanisms which trigger allergies Medication Taking medication can provide additional relief by controlling the symptoms Immunotherapy The goal is to desensitize your body and increase your immune system

15. M ANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ALLERGY PROOF YOUR ENVIRONMMENT Home Car Outdoors Traveling/ Staying in Hotels Dining Out

16. M ANAGEMENT S TRATEGIES T REATING S YMPTOMS Antihistamines Side Effects; drowsiness Decongestants Side Effects: insomnia, BP, restricted urinary flow Steriods Side Effects: weight gain, fluid retention, BP, Bronchodilators Side Effects: BP, rapid HR

17. M ANAGEMENT S TRATEGIES M EDICATIONS What You Need To Know Many drugs are now available “ over the counter” There are several important things you should know when purchasing an OTC allergy medication Instruction for use Dosage Some OTC medications contain an antihistamine and a decongestant Consult your Doctor for potential drug interactions Look for expiration date