WHEN TO SUSPECT AN ALLERGY
Some allergies are easy to identify by the set of symptoms that invariably follows exposure to a particular substance. But others are more subtle, and may masquerade as other conditions. Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect you may have an allergy.

• Patches of bumps, or itchy, red skin that "weeps" or oozes clear fluid, and forms a crust.
• Development of hives - intensely itchy skin eruptions that usually last for a few hours and move from one part of the body to another.
• Repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms that last more than a week or two, or develop at about the same time every year. These could include a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing and throat clearing.
• Nose rubbing, sniffling, snorting, sneezing, and itchy, runny eyes.
• Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth and throat. Itchiness is not usually a complaint with a cold, but it is the hallmark of an allergy problem.
• Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and other respiratory symptoms.
• Unexplained bouts of diarrhea, abdominal cramps and other intestinal symptoms (food allergies).

HOW TO MANAGE “HAY FEVER”

• Many people are allergic to pollens and molds, both of which are found everywhere outdoors and cannot be completely avoided.
• Exposure to plant allergens can be minimized by staying indoors on days with high pollen and/or mold counts. It's helpful to use air conditioners, where possible, to reduce exposure to pollen in both your home and your car.
• Dust mites congregate where food is plentiful. They are especially numerous in upholstered furniture, bedding and rugs. Choose blankets and pillows made of synthetic materials. Padded furnishings such as mattresses, box springs, pillows and cushions should be encased in allergen-proof, zip-up covers that are available through catalogs and specialized retailers. Wash linens weekly, and other bedding such as blankets every two to three weeks, in hot water, then put them through the hottest cycle of a clothes dryer. Pillows should be replaced every two to three years.

COMMON ALLERGENS ON THE HOME FRONT

• Dust (contains dust mites and finely ground particles from other allergens such as pollen, mold, and animal dander)
• Pollen (trees, grasses, weeds)
• Fungi (including molds too small to be seen with the naked eye)
• Furry animals (cats, dogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits and other pets)
• Clothing and toys made, trimmed, or stuffed with animal hair
• Latex (household articles such as rubber gloves, toys, balloons, elastic in socks, underwear, and other clothing and airborne particles)
• Airborne dust from grain elevators, barns and haylofts (in rural areas)
• Seed dusts (beanbag toys and cushions)
• Bacterial enzymes (used to manufacture enzyme bleaches and cleaning products)
• Foods such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat and gluten, and corn

MEDICATIONS TO SUPRESS SYMPTOMS
Your allergy treatment should start with your pediatrician, who may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist for additional evaluations and treatments.

• Antihistamines – Decrease the allergic reaction, especially itching and swelling.
• Decongestants – May help reduce stuffiness.
• Corticosteroids - Highly effective for allergy treatment and are widely used to stop symptoms. Usually prescribed as inhalers or nasal sprays.
• Allergy Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be recommended to reduce your sensitivity to airborne allergens. Not every allergy problem can or needs to be treated with allergy shots, but treatment of respiratory allergies to pollen, dust mites, and outdoor molds is often successful.