Alioto recalls being told as a child that she'd outgrow her seasonal allergies. At age 52, she hasn't outgrown them yet. But with the help of her allergist, her symptoms are under better control. Her allergist performed skin tests that identified her allergy triggers. He then explained what was going on physiologically, and he taught her how to use medications and avoid allergens. Her advice: Get educated, and work with your doctor. "I'm a success story because I have an active life," she says. "Allergies are not going to go away, and I'm not expecting them to, but I'm on top of them."

Drew, 34, had been allergy-free until about four years ago when he moved to the U.S. from Hong Kong. "I'm originally from Australia. I never had allergies until I came here," he says. "It's really weird." Each spring he'd get what he thought was a cold: Runny nose, itchy, puffy eyes, and respiratory problems. One day he happened to see a flyer for an allergist who practiced in his building and realized his symptoms pointed to hay fever. Skin tests identified the allergens. A combination of prescription and over-the-counter drugs helped, but annoying symptoms remained. Drew decided to start allergy shots. "With immunotherapy I'd get up to five years without symptoms, which is kind of cool," he says. In just six months he improved. "The biggest change I noticed after starting treatment was being able to go outside and exercise and being able to breathe."