What Are Allergies?
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances (such as pollen, dust or foods) which are harmless to most people. Allergic reactions can affect the lungs, nose, eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. The most severe cases can cause life threatening anaphylactic shock.
Symptoms may include:
- 🞂 Sneezing
- 🞂 Itchy, dry or watery eyes
- 🞂 Stuffy or runny nose
- 🞂 Unexplained hives or rash
- 🞂 Trouble breathing after an insect bite, or sting or after eating certain foods.
Asthma and Allergies are on the Rise
Asthma and allergies strike one out of every six Americans. They negatively impact quality of life, interfere with work and school, and may even cause death.
Consider these facts:
- 🞂 Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism and childhood emergency room visits
- 🞂 Asthma is the fourth leading cause of work loss, resulting in 9 million lost work days each year.
- 🞂 Asthma is the underlying cause of nearly 5000 U.S. deaths every year. In 1997, 9 Alaskan’s died from asthma
- 🞂 Approximately 15 million Americans have asthma and more than 50 million have allergies
- 🞂 Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the U.S.
- 🞂 More than 22 million Americans have allergic rhinitis or hay fever. . It is the most frequently reported chronic condition in children, limiting activities for more than 40 percent of them.
It is estimated that 6-8% of Alaskans have asthma and 20% have allergies. With our extremes in weather, geography, and cultural diversity, asthma and allergy education is a challenge.