Health Quests

Allergies and Asthma—What's the Difference?

Do you have allergies? An allergy is an extreme sensitivity to a substance. Perhaps you break out in a rash when you eat strawberries, or you have a sneezing fit whenever you get near a cat. If you do have allergies, you are not alone. In the United States, it is estimated that 50 to 60 million people-one in five Americans-have allergies.

Although asthma is not as common as allergies, nearly 5 million children under age 18 suffer from asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes air passages to become narrow or blocked, making breathing difficult. Asthma can be triggered by many of the same substances that cause allergies. This activity will show you how to use the Internet to discover important facts about allergies and asthma.

After exploring these sites and completing the questions, you will be able to

• identify the causes, symptoms, and treatments of allergies and asthma.
• explain the similarities and differences between allergies and asthma.
• use information from the Web sites to help you keep a food journal.

	Using the information found at the Web sites, create a chart that compares allergies and asthma. Create a chart with three columns and three rows. Label the columns Allergies, Asthma, and Similarities/Differences. Down the left side, label the rows Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Fill in the chart with information that you have learned at the Web sites. Be sure to fill in the third column by identifying the similarities and differences of each condition's causes, symptoms, and treatments.
	Health Links
	Allergies Visit these Web sites to learn about how allergies work. Write a brief summary of the allergic process. Name three common types of seasonal allergies. What treatment options are recommended for people with allergies? http://www.aafa.org/templ/display.cfm?id=193&sub=203 Asthma At these Web sites, you will learn about asthma. What are three allergens that can trigger asthma attacks? What are three symptoms of asthma? Describe some methods for controlling asthma. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/asthma.htm http://www.aafa.org/templ/display.cfm?id=193&sub=209 http://www.people.virginia.edu/~smb4v/tutorials/asthma/asthma1.html

Once you have explored these links and answered the questions, you are ready to make your chart. Your chart should

• provide complete and accurate information.
• present the information in a clear and organized manner.
• highlight the similarities and differences between allergies and asthma.