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ALLERGY U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development • Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Did you know...? ■ As many as 40 or 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies?1 ■Allergies cause swollen eyes, itching skin, dripping noses, light- headedness and even death? What is it? An allergy is a strong reaction by your body’s immune system to some- thing that would normally be harmless—a food, plant, or medicine. Common reactions include a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or a skin rash. Severe allergic reactions (see below) require immediate medical attention. Many people who have allergies also have asthma. Allergic reactions may trigger asthma attacks, where a swelling and tightening of your airways that makes it difficult to breathe (see “Asthma” fact sheet). Signs of Allergies and Allergic Reactions include: ■Asthma, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness or wheezing (See “Asthma” fact sheet) ■Itchy, watery eyes ■Itchy, inflamed or runny nose ■Hives or itchy rash on skin ■Dark circles under and around eyes ■Recurring headache ■Diarrhea or stomach cramps ■Anaphylaxis (a severe reaction) may be life-threatening. include: swelling, tingling in the mouth, and a red, itchy rash, as well as light- headedness, shortness of breath, severe sneezing, stomach cramps, and loss of blood pressure. If these are present, go immediately to a doctor or emergency room for treatment. continued on back www.hud.gov/offices/lead “Allergic diseases can be controlled; can be prevented or minimized.” American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “The Allergy Report” ---PAGE BREAK--- www.hud.gov/offices/lead ALLERGY U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Other Federal Resources US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/od/oc/childhealth US Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/children Other Resources American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) www.aaaai.org Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America www.aafa.org The Allergy & Asthma Network: Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) www.aanma.org Ask your doctor or contact your local or state department of health. What you can do Know your allergies, and know what to avoid. Not everyone is allergic to the same things! ■Contact your doctor about any unusual reactions to food, plants, medicines, or other items. ■Avoid contact with things you know trigger allergies. - Avoid being outside or having the windows open when pollen counts are high. - Read food labels carefully to avoid ingredients that cause reactions. - Choose medicines and home-care products carefully. - Remove carpet or vacuum often to avoid animal dander. ■Keep a clean home (for more tips, see “Asthma” fact sheet). - Control pests such as mice and cockroaches. - Vacuum floors and upholstery often and consider removing carpet. - Avoid having mold, cigarette smoke, pesticides, and chemicals inside the house. - Keep pets out of the bedrooms of family members who are allergic to them. ■In the event of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately. For more information . . . Visit HUD’s website at www.hud.gov/offices/lead for more information about addressing health hazards in homes or to learn if HUD has a Healthy Homes program in your community. From this website, you can download a copy of “Help Yourself to A Healthy Home” for more practical steps you can take to make your home a healthy home. Indoor Outdoor Foods Medications Insect Stings Contact and Bites with Skin ■dust ■dust mites ■mold ■pets (most often animal skin flakes or “dander”) ■pollen (from flowering trees and grass) ■mold ■milk ■citrus fruits ■eggs ■peanuts ■wheat ■fish & shellfish ■antibiotics (like Penicillin) ■anti-seizure drugs ■anesthetics ■bees ■wasps ■hornets ■yellow jackets ■plants (like poison ivy) ■cosmetics ■skin-care products ■jewelry ■latex (gloves or condoms) Types of allergies There are many types of allergies. The following are some of the most common: Keeping a clean home can reduce some allergens 1Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The Allergy Report: Science Based Findings on the Diagnosis & Treatment of Allergic Disorders, 1996-2001