University of Virginia Health System

Allergy and asthma are among the most common health problems, with more than 50 million Americans afflicted with asthma, seasonal hay fever, or other allergy-related conditions each year.

Some allergies - such as a  mild case of hay fever - may not require any treatment, or may be controlled with the occasional use of over-the-counter medications.

Others may interfere with your day-to-day activities, lower your quality of life, or even become life-threatening. In these cases, you should see a physician to help you manage the diseases and their symptoms.