Did You Know?

Where Do Allergies Come From?

Allergies affect millions of people around the world, but do you know what causes them? Read these facts to learn about their causes and symptoms.

Allergy attacks have increased in the United States despite the fact that our outdoor air quality has improved. Some researchers think these problems have increased because kids are spending too much time indoors. When outdoors, we are exposed to pollen, dust, and other irritants; however, when indoors, we are also exposed to “allergens”, which are proteins that originate from cockroaches, mold, pets, and dust mites (tiny bug-like creatures that live in dust). Allergens actually cause allergies, which can make you sniffle, sneeze, suffer from itchy eyes, and other cold-like symptoms. Allergens can also trigger asthma attacks, which are more serious. Asthma symptoms include wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound heard when exhaling); coughing spells unrelated to a cold; shortness of breath, especially during exercise; and tightness in the chest.