The term "allergy" means "changed activity" and describes changes that occur after coming in contact with a foreign substance. There are two types of changes. The first is beneficial in that our body builds up resistance to the foreign substance and is the basis for most immunizations. The second type of response is generally not beneficial. It's known as a hypersensitivity response and occurs when the body's immune system reacts to the foreign substance when the response is not necessary. It's for this response that the term "allergy" is used.

FOOD ALLERGIES:

Food allergies occur at all ages and almost any food can cause an allergic response. Food allergy is not the only cause of digestive upsets but is blamed for much that it doesn't cause. Food allergy may produce the symptoms of swelling of the mouth and lips, hives, skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, runny nose and other problems. The best approach to determine a food allergy is detecting symptoms that occur after eating a certain food. For example, if your lips swell after eating shrimp, you are probably allergic to shrimp.

ASTHMA:

Asthma is a severe allergic disorder. The most prominent symptom of asthma is wheezing. Asthma tends to occur in families. An attack can be triggered by an infection, stress or by exposure to an allergen. Common allergens include house dust, pollen, mold, food, and animal dander. If you are diagnosed asthmatic, your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss management of the illness with you. You cannot manage this problem without medical help.

HAY FEVER:

Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, is the most common allergic problem. Symptoms include a stuffy, runny nose, watering itchy eyes, headache, and sneezing. The cause in most adults is dust or pollens. Hay fever seems to run in families. Treatment is to relieve symptoms and avoidance of the offending substance. Drugs that reduce symptoms can be prescribed or purchased over the counter. Antihistamines have a drying effect and alleviate nasal stuffiness. They are also helpful in reducing itching. Individuals respond differently to different types of antihistamines, and a trial may be necessary to determine the most effective type for you. Be sure to read and follow the directions carefully before taking any medication. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider. The most common side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness which may interfere with work or school.

ECZEMA:

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is an allergic skin condition characterized by dry, itching skin. Itching leads to scratching that can produce a thick rough skin which is characteristic of long-standing atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis runs in families along with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Like asthma, a variety of conditions can aggravate it, including infection, stress, food allergy and sweating. It may be found on the back of the legs and front of the arms. Adults often have problems with their hands. This is expecially true of people whose hands are in frequent contact with water. Therapy is based on avoidance of allergens and maintenance of good skin care. Itching is often worse at bedtime. Antihistamines reduce itching but should be used only if necessary. Steroid creams are useful in severe cases, but should be used for a short time only. Prolonged use of steroids on the skin can lead to side effects.

ALLERGY TESTING AND SHOTS:

The purpose of allergy testing is to help decide what is causing the allergy. Once a test is positive, there are two ways to use the information: avoidance and desensitization. Desensitization involves injecting gradually increasing doses of an allergen until the patient is able to tolerate exposure to the allergen with only mild symptoms. This is considered for people with moderate or severe asthma or hay fever.

Allergy testing is not available at Student Health. Those students who do receive allergy injections can store their serum at Student Health and come in for their injections during the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is necessary to remain at the Health Center for 20 minutes after the injection.