An allergy can refer to several kinds of immune reactions including Type I hypersensitivity in which a person's body is hypersensitised and develops IgE type antibodies to typical proteins. When a person is hypersensitised, these substances are known as allergens. The word allergy derives from the Greek words allos meaning "other" and ergon meaning "work". Type I hypersensitivity is characterised by excessive activation of mast cells and basophils by immunoglobulin E resulting in a systemic inflammatory response that can result in symptoms as benign as a runny nose, to life-threatening anaphylactic shock and death.
Allergy is a very common disorder and more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the United States, costing the health care system $18 billion annually (Allergy statistics).

Child and Youth Health: Allergies - Read what they are, how they feel, what happens in the body and what to do.
Food Allergy News for Kids - Learn what it is, symptoms, and what to do. Read and share stories, play games, do puzzles, and try project ideas.
Food Allergy News for Teens - Provides articles and an advice column, as well as tips for managing these problems at school.
Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) For Teenagers - Explains what it is, what causes it, and how to control it. Includes a printable sheet to record medicine and dosage information.
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Meta Description: [ If you've got allergies, you know the drill -- sneezing, wheezing, itching. Know why you get these symptoms? You may be surprised at the answer. Learn about the immune-system mix-up we call an ]
Just For Kids - Fun activities like stories, games, coloring pages, and articles to help you learn about managing your allergies and asthma.
KidsHealth: Food Allergies - Find out what it is, how to know if you have one, what a reaction feels like, and what the doctor can do.
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KidsHealth: Nut and Peanut Allergy - Find out more about these food allergies and how to stay healthy.
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MedlinePlus: Allergies - Illustrated guide, includes causes, symptoms, and treatments. Learn about different tests used to find allergens.
TeensHealth: Allergies - Article tells what allergies are, common types, what doctors can do, and how to deal with them.
Meta Description: [ Your eyes itch, your nose is running, you're sneezing, and you're covered in hives. The enemy known as allergies has struck again - and all you want to do is curl up into a ball of misery. ]
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