05/07/2026
May is National Allergy Awareness Month
Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases. A chronic disease lasts a long time or occurs often. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it.
The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens. Some types of allergens are
- Drugs (medicine)
- Food
- Insects that sting (bees, wasps, fire ants), bite (mosquitos, ticks), or are household pests (cockroaches and dust mites)
- Latex
- Mold
- Pet (dog or cat urine, saliva, and dander)
- Pollen
The most common allergy symptoms can simply make you uncomfortable. For example, you may have watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, a rash or hives. Other more serious symptoms, like trouble breathing and swelling in your mouth or throat, may be a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
What Are the Treatments for Allergies?
Good allergy treatment is based on your medical history and the severity of your symptoms. It can include three different treatment strategies: avoidance of allergens, medication options and/or immunotherapy (a treatment to train your immune system not to overreact). Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns and what treatment is best for you.
Yours in Good Health!
The Adult Day Services Nurses
