April 26, 2004
Allergies
Allergy refers to the body's abnormal reaction to certain substances called
allergens. These allergens may be inhaled, swallowed, or come in contact with
the skin to trigger a reaction from the immune system. If you are one of the
estimated 50 million Americans affected by allergies, you may find the following
sites helpful.
Fast
Facts on Allergies
Explains key concepts such as antigens, antibodies, and allergic reactions
Discusses various types of allergic diseases and common treatments
Sponsored by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/resources/fastfacts/allergies.stm
Understanding
Allergies
Discusses common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander
Offers advice on allergy prevention
Presented by the Journal of the American Medical Association for consumers
http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZK5HRFU9C&sub_cat=255
Understanding
the Immune System
Illustrates the body's immune system, the network of cells and organs that distinguishes
between self and foreign molecules inside the body
A tutorial from the National Cancer Institute
http://press2.nci.nih.gov/sciencebehind/immune/immune01.htm
Allergy skin tests:
Diagnosing your allergies
Describes the purpose, preparation, and procedure for the tests
Explains what the results mean
Presented by the Mayo Clinic staff
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=AA00023
Reducing
allergens in your home
Offers practical steps for limiting environmental allergens in the home
Tips fro the American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22906
Asthma
and Allergy Prevention
" Explains the differences between an allergy, a cold, and the flu
" Describes common allergens with appropriate prevention steps
" From the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22906
Asthma
and allergy medications
Describes the various types of medications for treating asthma and allergies
Discusses the action of the medications and possible side effects
Offered by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/asthmaallergymedications.stm
This page © 2003 NAHEC
This page last modified: 02/14/03