We’re too clean. Early exposure to limited amounts of bacteria helps a baby’s immune system develop an “appropriate” reaction to allergens.

Our homes are too efficient. Draft-proof houses keep fresh air out, while carpeting, heating, and air-conditioning may foster the growth of allergy-producing dust mites.

We’re more mobile. Many people don’t develop allergies until they move to a new part of the country and encounter a trigger for the first time. Behind the numbers is some real misery. Yet according to a survey, less than a third of allergy sufferers have consulted a doctor about their symptoms. That’s a mistake. Researchers have come up with new and better ways to treat allergies.

Steps to get rid of allergies:

First find out what you have.

You can suspect allergies, as opposed to a persistent cold, if symptoms continue for more than two weeks, you have a nasal drip, or your eyes, nose, ears or the roof of your mouth itches. Be especially suspicious if symptoms seem to be seasonal or are provoked by exposure to something particular (your eyes water every time you go in the basement, for example).

A skin or Blood test, done by an allergist will give a profile of your triggers. The skin test is the better way to go because it’s quicker. You can get results in 20 minutes and can plan treatment.

Watch what you breathe.

Try to limit your exposure to triggers. Allergic to pollen? Hold off on picnics until the season passes. At home, shut the windows and run the air conditioner. If indoor moldi s your problem, you’ll want to deal with any sources of dampness in your house, including the cellar. You may also want to buy a dehumidifier.

What about Fido and Fluffy? If it turns out that you’re allergic to your pet, you’ll have to decide if you can bear to find the animal a new home. No way? You may be able to keep symptoms at bay by making your bedroom a pet-free zone, racking the litter box far from the air supply for the rest of the house, and installing a HEPA filter on your furnace (you can also run stand-alone HEPA air purifiers). And don’t kiss your pet-the proteins that cause allergies gather on fur and in saliva.

Ask your doctor about prescription drugs.

Again, there are antihistamines, decongestants, and combos of the two. For sever nasal congestion, as well as for other problems, an allergist may prescribe nasal or oral steroids.

Consider allergy shots.

The idea is that by continually exposing your body to a small amount of the offending agent, you’ll eventually diminish the allergic response. Immunotherapy (as it’s technically called) takes a long-term commitment-it may be three to five years of weekly, then monthly, injections before your allergies are gone.

Just for Fun:

Could there be a furball in your future?

The world’s first hypoallergenic kitty is on the way. Cat allergies are caused by a certain protein found on the animal’s skin and in the saliva, using “gene silencing” technology, a California-based biotechnology company is developing a cat that will have significantly less of the protein. The first breed will be the British Shorthair. The company is taking orders now (visit www.allercat.com), but you’ll have to wait until 2008 to collect your cat. You may need that time to arrange financing-the price will be $5,000.