Your body's immune system does an excellent job of defending you against viruses and bacteria. However, it might become overly protective and react to harmless, everyday substances. You may develop allergies, such as a runny, itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip and nasal congestion.

Control Your Symptoms
If you do have allergies, it's important to learn what they are and to get your symptoms under control. Otherwise, they may develop into a more serious, chronic illness, such as asthma.

Many ordinary substances can trigger allergic reactions. Among the most common are plant pollens, molds, dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, particular foods and insect stings. Certain industrial chemicals and medications also may cause allergy problems.

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is the most common allergy. Its symptoms can occur at any time of the year. If your symptoms are mild and seasonal, you may get adequate relief from an over-the-counter medicine.

Do You Need Relief?
If you need stronger relief for your symptoms, an allergist can perform tests to determine what substances are causing the problem. Appropriate treatments include prescription medications or immunotherapy injections. You should see an allergist if:

• Your nasal allergies are causing secondary symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficult breathing
• You experience symptoms several months of the year
• Antihistamines and other over-the-counter medications do not control your symptoms or they create unacceptable side effects, such as drowsiness
• Your allergies are interfering with your daily activities
• Your allergy symptoms affect your quality of life

Get Help with Your Allergies
Please call 1-888-4GW-DOCS for a referral to an allergist.

900 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037 (202) 715-4000