Get the Facts: Allergy Information

Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.

And the number seems to be growing. But many people don't even know they have allergies or know what allergies actually are. Here's some basic allergy information to help you be more prepared.

What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to foreign substances in the environment called allergens. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance, such as pollen, causes the immune system to react as if the substance were harmful. In essence, allergies are your body's effort to get rid of substances it feels are dangerous.

Signs of Allergies
Some people who suffer from allergies don't know they have them because many of the symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. Colds may be associated with a fever or muscle ache, whereas allergies are not.

Who Gets Allergies?
Most allergies are inherited. So, if your mother or father has allergies, there's a chance you'll have them too. However, you may not be allergic to the same allergens as they are. The environment you live in, air pollution and pollen in the air can all have a major effect.

Living With Allergies
You might have allergies, but there are a number of things you can do to help prevent, treat and live with your symptoms. Try these helpful tips to make your life with allergies a little easier.

In Your Home

• Keep windows closed to help eliminate pollen in the air.
• Use an air filter and clean it regularly.
• Stay away from damp areas where mold grows.
• Wear a mask and gloves when you clean the house.

Allergy-Fighting Tips

• Exercise options: Know that pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning, so avoid AM activities outdoors. Be wary of windy days, when allergens really blow about.
• Stock up on Alavert®: The allergy symptom relief medicine that costs a lot less than other allergy medicines. There are remedies for all types of symptoms and for every member of the family, including kids age 6 and up.
• Quick-dissolving relief: Don’t wait for allergy symptoms to strike or they could just get worse. Treat them with quick-dissolving Alavert® — you’ll feel it burst into action instantly and know that relief is on the way.
• Stay alert: Think twice about allergy medicines that can make you sleepy. Rely on Alavert® for effective, non-drowsy* relief so you can enjoy every minute of the season. Remember, Alavert® comes in a 24-hour formula for nonstop relief.
• Mask the situation: Wear an inexpensive painter's mask when you mow the grass, rake leaves and/or garden.
• Take leave: Kids allergic to mold? Keep them from jumping in dead autumn leaves.
• Break the mold: Keep mold from building up indoors; clean out humidifiers so mold spores don’t accumulate.
• Hearth and home: Got firewood? Store it outside so that mold and leaves aren’t tracked indoors.
• Stinging allergies? Avoid sweet-smelling deodorants, perfumes and hair products that attract insects.
• Goodbye, red eye: Sunglasses protect you from harmful UV rays, and help keep pollen from irritating your eyes.
• Free ride: Oils from poisonous plants (poison ivy, oak and sumac) love to hitch a ride on pet’s fur. Keep household animals out of the woods and out of your bedroom.
• Weather watch: Breezy, warm mornings carry the most pollen; cool, rainy days, the lowest.
• Stormy brew: Thunderstorms can stir up mold spores and pollen particles so watch out when the storm blows over.
• Spring fallout: Get ready for 2-for-1 allergies. Unfortunately, spring pollen allergies usually mean a sensitivity to fall ragweed too.
• Muffle the cold: Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf: cold, dry air can irritate sensitive airways.
• In the swim: The 10- to 15-inch layer of humid air above ocean water helps keep airways moist; swimming is also great exercise for your entire body.
• Linens and things: Purchase mattress and pillow covers that trap dust mites so your allergies don’t wake you up.
• Chill out: Help reduce pollen exposure by shutting windows and turning the A/C on.
• Stuff those animals away: Keep plush toys and dust collectors from attracting mites. Use hot water to clean washable toys, stow the rest in dust-free containers.
• Window treatment: Choose easy-to-clean blinds over curtains: dust mites can be washed away more easily.
• Rug rats: Dust mites love a good carpet so try not to roll around on the rug with kids and pets. Dust and vacuum regularly.
• Allergic to holidays? Shake live Christmas trees thoroughly and dry them outside before decorating. Dust and clean fake trees with mold and mildew cleaner and store in a clean, dry place.

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If you have dietary restrictions and/or allergies, always read the ingredient list carefully for all food products prior to consumption. Allergens and their derivatives can have various names and may be present in some food brands but not others. If the ingredient list is not available on the food product, check with the food manufacturer, or do not consume the product. If you have a food allergy, speak to your physician and/or a registered dietitian for a comprehensive list of foods and their derivatives to avoid prior to using any suggestions. Neither the author, Dollar General nor Triad Digital Media, LLC d/b/a Triad Retail Media assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.