Introduction

For millions of people of all ages, allergies to substances in the air cause symptoms ranging from mildly annoying to serious. Seasonal hay fever, the most common allergy, results from a sensitivity to airborne pollen from trees, grass and weeds. Unfortunately, allergic symptoms don't always take a vacation when the pollen season ends. Since most people with allergies react to more than one substance, people with airborne allergies may suffer all through the year. Other common airborne troublemakers include dust, mold and animal dander—scales from an animal's fur, hair or skin.

Airborne allergies can't be cured. But knowing what an allergy is, when to seek help and how to deal with allergies will let you enjoy life more fully in any season.