Being allergic to something can trigger many actions in the body such as wheezing, coughing, watery eyes, sneezing and itching.

Food allergies are common in children though they usually outgrow them. Allergies are grouped by the triggers that cause them such as indoor, outdoor, food and various others. There are also drug allergies, latex allergies and allergies to insect bites.

1. Term allergy first used by Australian physician Clemens Pirquet
2. The word allergy refers to an altered reaction
3. Common allergies include: eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma and food allergies
4. Can develop at any age
5. Airborne allergens include dust and pollen
6. Allergic reactions are unique to each individual
7. Skin testing is most widely used for allergy testing
8. Some symptoms include: Itchy watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, cough and wheezing
9. Allergies are often hereditary
10. Some treatments include: Avoiding contact with the allergen, medications such as antihistamines and decongestants or nasal spray and eye drops
11. For skin allergies corticosteroid creams are prescribed
12. An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from allergies
13. Main trigger for an asthma attack
14. Can also get allergy shots