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Allergies
An allergy is a specific reaction of the body's immune system to a normally harmless
substance, one that does not bother most people. Health experts estimate that 35 million
Americans suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms that are allergic reactions to
airborne allergens.
People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one substance. Common types
of airborne allergens that cause allergic reactions include:
Pollen allergy, commonly called hay fever, is one of the most common chronic diseases
in the United States. Worldwide, airborne allergens cause the most problems for people
with allergies. The respiratory symptoms of asthma, which affect approximately 11 million
Americans, are often provoked by airborne allergens.
The American Lung Association Health House®
has practical information on how you can reduce your exposure to common airborne allergens.
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