THE MYSTERY OF ALLERGIES

.Watery eyes, a runny nose, headaches -- these are symptoms which most people identify with allergies. But what are allergies? To a vast majority of pediatricians, allergists, family physicians and internists, the term "allergy" is limited to hay fever, asthma, eczema and conjunctivitis. This strict definition focuses on the roles of pollens, cats and dogs, dust mites and molds which provoke symptoms in children and adults involving only the nose, eyes, skin and lungs. This strict definition, however, is too limited. In fact, an allergy is a malfunction of the immune system causing a wide variety of medical conditions in children and adults. This broader definition of allergies incorporates not only pollens, dust mites and molds, but also foods, additives and chemicals. Allergies can cause a multitude of symptoms from head to toe, including:

Eyes:

Itching Redness Increased Tearing

Respiratory System:

Coughing Wheezing

Urinal Tract:

Frequent Urination Itching Bedwetting

Musculo/Skeletal System:

Muscle & Joint Pain