Allergy Problems

[CHEF GIRL]

Allergies don't just make sensitive people itch and sneeze, they can also affect people's moods, according to a new survey.
A Harris Interactive survey of 1,000 allergy sufferers found that 62 percent of allergy sufferers say their allergies affect their mood. Fifty-one percent of sufferers feel annoyed, 48 percent feel irritable, and 42 percent feel frust*****.
Additionally, 22 percent say their allergies make them feel less attractive and 19 percent feel self-conscious.
However, people who suffer think that they don't get much sympathy. About half said their spouse or significant other doesn't think it is a serious health condition. They think even higher numbers of relatives, friends and coworkers see it as only somewhat serious or not serious.
A survey of 1,000 consumers -- some with allergies, some without -- found that 78 percent feel sorry for people who have allergies, but 36 percent believe that allergy sufferers overstate the severity of their symptoms and use them as an excuse to get out of something.
About 34 percent of allergy sufferers see a doctor for treatment when their symptoms are bothering them.