It’s estimated that 60 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy. That’s 1 out of 4. It’s the 5th highest chronic disease in America and the 3rd most common chronic disease in children. Many people suffer from more than one allergy type.
INDOOR/OUTDOOR ALLERGIES
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds are in the indoor/outdoor allergy category. Other common indoor/outdoor allergy triggers are mold spores, dust mites, and cat, dog and rodent dander. About 75% of people with allergies have indoor/outdoor allergies. The most common pet allergy is cat dander.
SKIN ALLERGIES
Skin allergies are another common allergy. The most common causes of skin allergies are plants like poison oak, ivy and sumac. Allergic reactions can also be caused by skin contact with latex, cockroaches and dust mites, and even some foods. Skin allergies are the main allergy for about 7% of allergy sufferers.
FOOD & DRUG ALLERGIES
While we hear a lot about food and drug allergies, they’re the primary allergy of only about 6% of allergy sufferers. Food allergies are more common in children. Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish are responsible for 90% of all food allergies. Food allergies claim over 200 lives yearly. When it comes to common drug allergies, penicillin is the winner. Almost 400 Americans die every year from allergies to penicillin. However, much more common is the “food sensitivity” experienced by millions of people of all ages. Gluten (found primarily in wheat), dairy, corn, soy and egg top the list. These can be classified as delayed hypersensitivity reaction or intolerance. See http://sherwoodfamilymedicine.com/food_intolerance.php for more detailed information.
Some people have allergies in a single category, but most suffer from allergies in multiple categories.
HOW TO GET RELIEF
If you are an allergy sufferer, discuss your triggers and symptoms with Dr Sooley. Some types of allergies respond remarkably well to chiropractic care. Here is one example: “I was having serious allergy problems and I could not turn my head left or right or up and down with ease, before seeing Dr. Sooley. I had been suffering for 24 years. I had sinus surgery and it took five related medications daily all year around for most of those 24 years. I am so glad that with in just a few short weeks of my treatment here in Dr. Sooley’s office, I was able to give up my allergy medications that I lived on all year long. Now I can breathe without medications. I even noticed I don’t get sick like I did before. I couldn’t stay awake before I was on so much medication, now rest comes so much better with out the drugs. I can move and function on a daily basis. I want you to know they really do amazing things at Sooley Chiropractic!! They are wonderful and caring people.” –Terri Cork 2010