Allergy Information

  • Parents: Allergy Center

    Teens: Allergy Basics

    Kids: All About Allergies

    KidsHealth Express Email [allergies]

    After a long winter, nicer weather is finally here and everything's in bloom. But for millions of people, spring's beauty also brings misery - sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and other unpleasant symptoms of seasonal allergies.

    Find out what you can do to help keep "hay fever" symptoms under control. 

    For Parents

    Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever
    At this time of year, pollen and mold spores trigger the cold-like symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Most kids find relief through reduced exposure to allergens or with medications. Find out more.

    Allergy Shots
    Many kids battle allergies year-round, and some can't control their symptoms with medications. For them, allergy shots (or allergen immunotherapy) can be beneficial.

    Do Allergies Cause Asthma
    Although allergies and asthma are separate conditions, they are related. People who have allergies - particularly ones that affect the nose and eyes - are more likely to have asthma.

    Environmental Control Measures
    Families of kids with allergies should use environmental control measures that reduce exposure to the child's allergy triggers. Here's how to begin.

    Can Kids Get Allergies All Year?
    Find out what the experts have to say.

    Worrying about Allergies 

    Calling All Teachers!

    KidsHealth in the Classroom offers a free email program for teachers of all grades and subject areas. Subscribers receive teacher's guides with discussion questions, activities, and reproducible handouts - all aligned to national standards. Sign up now!

    Parents Site

    For Teens

    Taking Care of your Teeth

    Allergies
    Your eyes itch, your nose is running, you're sneezing, and you're covered in hives. The enemy known as allergies has struck again.

    Allergy Testing
    Doctors use several different types of allergy tests, depending on what a person may be allergic to. Find out what to expect from allergy tests.

    Do Allergies Cause Asthma?
    Some things that cause an allergic reaction, such as pollen or dust, can also trigger asthma symptoms. But not everyone who has allergies develops asthma and not all case of asthma are related to allergies. Find out about the connection here.

    Histamine
    Histamine is a chemical found in some of the body's cells. It causes many of the symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose or sneezing.

    What Can I Do if I'm Allergic to My Cat?
    Find out what the experts have to say. 

    For Kids

    Learning About Allergies
    During an allergic reaction, your body's immune system goes into overdrive. Find out more in this article for kids.

    Hay Fever
    No, hay fever's not when a horse is sick! Find out what it really is.

    Why Do Eyes Water?
    What does it mean when your eyes water? It's not the same as crying - or is it?

    What Makes Me Sneeze?
    If you just sneezed, something was probably irritating or tickling the inside of your nose. Learn more about why you sneeze in this article for kids.

    Help With Hives
    Hives are red, itchy blotches that can can appear because of an allergic reaction. Find out more in this article for kids.