Allergies - Types, Symptoms, and Management

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to substances that are typically harmless. Common allergens include pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Allergies FAQ

Image credit: healthlibrary.askapollo.com

What is an allergic reaction?

An allergy is where your body reacts to something that's normally harmless like pollen, dust or animal fur. The symptoms can be mild, but for some people they can be very serious. Things that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.

What is a true allergy?

With this new classification, the word allergy, sometimes clarified as a true allergy, was restricted to type I hypersensitivities (also called immediate hypersensitivity), which are characterized as rapidly developing reactions involving IgE antibodies.

What causes allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people. Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Depending on the allergy type and the severity of the reaction, the symptoms can vary from mild (coughing, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, sneezing, hives, and a runny nose) to severe and at times life-threatening (triggering an asthma attack, trouble breathing, low blood pressure and even death).