Allergies: Overview
Over forty million Americans suffer from allergies. The economic costs (such as medication, doctor visits, absenteeism, etc.) associated with allergic reactions are in the several billions of dollars.
An allergy is a hypersensitivity to a foreign substance called an allergen. When the body is exposed to an allergen the immune system overreacts, causing symptoms ranging from the mildly annoying, such as watery eyes and runny nose, to anaphylactic shock, a potentially deadly condition. Allergens surround us and are commonly found in food, plants, and animals. While it is best to avoid contact with allergens, often it is not practicable to do so.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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