What is an allergy?

 

Symptoms  |  Types  |  Triggers  |  Tips

 

A condition in which the immune system over reacts to normally harmless substances (allergens) found in the environment.

 

An allergen is a substance capable of producing a hypersensitivity reaction. However, not everyone reacts the same way and a substance which is an allergen to some people, may not be to others.

 

 

What happens when you have an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction occurs when the body comes into contact with an unwanted allergen. The allergen which may have been inhaled, ingested, injected or touched by the body, stimulates an immune system response. Antibodies are produced which attach themselves to special cells, called mast cells. When the allergen comes into contact with these antibodies, the mast cells respond by releasing certain substances, one of which is called histamine.

 

Histamine is the main cause of allergy symptoms which results in inflammation (redness and swelling). Other typical signs or
symptoms in the:

• Nose and/or eyes - hayfever eg. a blocked or runny nose is commonly known as allergic rhinitis whilst symptoms
     associated with increased mucosal/tear production are known as allergic conjunctivitis
• Skin - eczema/hives (urticaria) or dermatitis (inflammation)
• Lungs - asthma
  
  

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