The effects of an allergic reaction depend on how much you have been exposed to an allergen and how severe your allergy is. You may have symptoms for several minutes, hours, or days. Some people outgrow their allergies. Others may have allergies all their life.

Follow your doctor's instructions. Try to avoid the things you are allergic to. If you tend to have severe allergy reactions, ask your doctor about carrying medicine with you, such as an EpiPen or Ana-Kit, for emergency use. Wear an ID, such as a Medic Alert bracelet, that lists your severe allergies.

There is no known way to prevent allergies. However, some research has shown that breast-fed babies may be less likely to develop allergies and asthma. Also, if your family has a very strong history of allergies, you might try to avoid your family's most common allergens. For example, you may need to stay away from cats. This might help stop you from developing severe symptoms.

Cigarette smoke can make hay fever and asthma symptoms worse. You can help your symptoms by not smoking. It also helps to avoid being around others who are smoking.

Many organizations provide support and information for people with allergies and asthma. Here a few:

• The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology offers a variety of services. They can provide educational materials, pollen count reports and maps, and a physician referral directory. Call 800-822-2762 or visit their Web site at http://www.aaaai.org  .
• The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers educational programs and services. They also offer asthma and allergy support groups across the country for adults, parents, teens, and caregivers. Call 800-727-8462 or visit their Web site at http://www.aafa.org  .
• The American Lung Association offers educational materials and support group information. Check your local telephone listings for a chapter near you, call 800-586-4872, or visit their Web site at http://www.lungusa.org  .
• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network is a worldwide network that provides educational materials, allergy alerts, and research studies related to food allergies. Call 800-929-4040 or visit their Web site at http://www.foodallergy.org