Allergies Description: Allergic reactions can be as mild as sneezing, but they can also be life-threatening in people who are allergic to bee stings or certain drugs, such as penicillin. The most common allergens are pollen, dust, molds, and foods. Other triggers include animal proteins from hair, fur, or dander. Symptoms: Breathing problems and skin irritations are common allergic responses, along with sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, wheezing, skin redness, hives, and skin itch. The most severe allergies can cause anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening, causing a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can stop the heart or complete closure of air passages and death by suffocation. Number of Americans diagnosed: One in every 10 Americans suffers from some type of allergy. Long-term problems/treatments: Prevention is the best treatment for allergies, beginning with avoidance of specific allergens such as foods. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications help prevent or minimize allergic reactions and/or control allergy symptoms. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Calgary Allergy Network American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology The Allergy Report Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.