Ah-choo: tissue, please.

The breezes of spring aren't so gentle for people allergic to weed pollen, grass pollen, and mold spores.

You've got your mother's eyes, your father's smile, and--a chronic stuffy nose? Perhaps you've inherited a tendency to develop allergies. If one of your parents has allergies, you have a one-in-three chance of developing them (and not necessarily the same ones). And if both your parents are allergic, there's a 70 percent chance that you'll be a sufferer. And in some cases, allergies skip a generation (i.e., grandmother to grandson). While teens and young adults are most susceptible to allergic symptoms, the severity and age of onset is unique to each individual.

Medical textbooks describe allergy in obscure technical jargon: "Allergy is a state of increased immunological reactivity resulting from the synthesis of immunoglobulin antibodies [AAAH-CHOOO!], after exposure to foreign immunogenic protein" (tissue, please). But for the millions who are affected, allergy simply means itchy, runny noses; scratchy, watery eyes; and sneezes.

What causes the reaction? When an allergy-prone person is exposed to a protein substance that the body perceives as "foreign" (an allergen), chemical substances known as antibodies are produced. These antibodies attach themselves to specialized blood cells (most cells and basophils). When the offending allergen appears again, the antibodies cause a variety of powerful chemicals (histamines and others) to be released into the bloodstream, resulting in--ah-choo!--tissue, please.

One of the most common allergic conditions is allergic rhinitis (sometimes referred to as hay fever, although it's not caused by hay and doesn't involve fever). Allergic rhinitis may be a year-round problem, or it may come and go with the seasons. The season variety is generally caused by inhaling airborne pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. The condition, which inflames the lining of the nose, sinuses, and eyelids, produces watery, puffy, or itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and a runny, stopped-up, or itchy nose.

Indoor contaminants such as house dust mites (microscopic organisms growing in dust), cockroaches, mold spores, and animal danders can cause allergy symptoms year-round. Other factors, such as tobacco smoke, gasoline fumes, and chemical odors, may aggravate existing symptoms. Likewise, unusual stress, anxiety, or tension may contribute to an allergic episode.

What to do. Day-to-day management of allergy symptoms requires patience, self-discipline, careful control of the living environment, and close cooperation between you and your doctor. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is usually not difficult and doesn't generally require extensive testing.

The most effective treatment for allergy is prevention--avoid the offending allergens. Here are some strategies to try:

1. Remain indoors in an air-conditioned environment during pollen season. Certain outdoor activities are particularly likely to cause difficulty--camping, hiking, mowing and raking the lawn, and jogging or walking in the early-morning hours, when pollen counts are higher.

2. Stay away from pets. If you're unable for emotional reasons to give up a pet entirely, at least it should be kept out of the bedroom and preferably outdoors. (See pet allergies.)

3. Eliminate dust by using polyester pillows; encase mattress and box springs in dustproof fabric; remove bedroom carpeting; mop floors and "damp-dust" furniture frequently; keep stuffed animals to a minimum; and frequently wash blankets, spreads, and curtains in hot water.

When the best avoidance behavior is unsuccessful in preventing the runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezes, medication can help. The most commonly used medications are of three types. They may be used alone or in combination.

* Antihistamines counteract the biologic effect of the chemicals primarily responsible for allergy symptoms. For best results, antihistamines are used on a regular basis before symptoms develop. Drowsiness is an occasional unwanted side effect that can be avoided by using newer (but more expensive) preparations available only by prescription.

* Decongestants are available over the counter in tablets, sprays, and drops. Relief from nasal congestion may be followed by rebound symptoms if drops or sprays are used for more than three or four consecutive days.

* Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Available only by prescription, these drugs are effective and have minimal side effects when used as directed.

Immunotherapy (desensitization) is another approach to allergy treatment. It should be considered if you have especially severe or prolonged symptoms, or do not respond satisfactorily to the other strategies. Immunotherapy requires careful testing to identify specific allergens. Frequent injections of tiny amounts of allergen are administered over an extended period of time (two to five years) to "desensitize" you and eliminate symptoms of reducing antibody production.

Family physicians and pediatricians can manage most patients with allergic rhinitis, but you may need to consult a specialist in allergy and immunology if you have severe allergies.

If the mere thought of allergy season provokes a sneezing episode, don't immediately run out and stock up on facial tissue. Instead, consider a visit to your family doctor and take advantage of professional counsel to protect yourself from aggravating allergens and enhance your enjoyment of life during all the seasons of the year.