Arizona Foundation for Medical Care
326 E. Coronado Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
800-624-4277
602-252-4042
Allergies and Asthma
Health Education
An allergy is a specific reaction of your body's immune system to a normally harmless substance. Normally the immune system functions as the body's defense against bacteria and viruses. In most allergic reactions, however, the immune system is responding to a false alarm. Allergens can be inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with skin. Types of allergens that cause allergic reactions include (but are not limited to) the following:
Pollens
Dust mites
Mold spores
Foods
Latex rubber
Insect venom
Medications
To treat an allergy, begin with avoiding the allergen. Skin tests can help to identify specific allergens and severity of allergy. Allergy shots and medications have shown success in preventing and relieving symptoms.
Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects the air passages in your lungs. This chronic disease affects nearly 20 million Americans and can be divided into two different types: Allergic and Non-Allergic. It can be treated using either inhaled medications or medications in the pill form, but since each case of asthma is different, treatment must be tailored to each individual's needs. With proper management, those suffering with asthma can live very healthy and active lives.
For additional information on living with allergies and asthma, please visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's website at http://www.aafa.org/.
