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Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to a specific foreign substance, or allergen. When a person with allergies is exposed to this allergen, the immune system releases chemicals, like histamine, which cause the symptoms of allergies. These symptoms occur primarily in the nose, eye, throat, ear, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Hay Fever, or Allergic Rhinitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the nose and eyes. It is one of the most common types of allergic reaction. Allergic rhinitis symptoms are: a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, nose, throat and ears, and sneezing. Sometimes allergic rhinitis causes headaches and fatigue. There are many allergens which can cause allergic rhinitis. Some are seasonal (occurring only at certain times of the year) or perennial (occurring all year round). The most common allergens which cause allergic rhinitis are dust mite, cat and dog dander, cockroaches, molds, and tree, grass or weed pollens. At the Center for Asthma and Allergy Disease, testing is done to determine if a child's immune system will react to a specific allergen. We offer both a CAP RAST blood test and skin testing. In skin testing, a small amount of each allergen is pricked onto the skin. After 15-20 minutes, the strength of an allergic reaction can be measured. The results of the allergy testing will provide important information on which allergens cause symptoms. We also offer allergy immunotherapy, also called allergy shots, for children with allergy symptoms which can not be controlled through avoidance and medications. Allergy shots work by decreasing the sensitivity towards specific allergens. Please click here for more information on allergies. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
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