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What is Allergy?

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. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.

The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies can’t be cured, treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.

Symptoms

An allergic reaction causes inflammation and irritation. However, the specific symptoms will depend on the type of allergen. For example, allergic reactions may occur in the gut, skin, sinuses, airways, eyes, or nasal passages.

Below are some triggers and the symptoms they may cause in people with an allergy.

Dust and pollen

  • a blocked or congested nose
  • itchy eyes and nose
  • a runny nose
  • swollen and watery eyes
  • a cough

Food

  • vomiting
  • a swollen tongue
  • tingling in the mouth
  • swelling of the lips, face, and throat
  • stomach cramps
  • shortness of breath
  • rectal bleeding, mainly in children
  • itchiness in the mouth
  • diarrhea

Insect stings

  • wheezing
  • significant swelling at the site of the sting
  • a sudden drop in blood pressure
  • itchy skin
  • shortness of breath
  • restlessness
  • hives, or a red and very itchy rash that spreads across the body
  • dizziness
  • a cough
  • chest tightness

Medication

  • wheezing
  • swelling of the tongue, lips, and face
  • a rash
  • itchiness

If symptoms become severe, anaphylaxis can develop.

Causes

An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain on the alert for that particular allergen. When you’re exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.

Common allergy triggers include:

  • Airborne allergens,such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold
  • Certain foods,particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
  • Insect stings,such as from a bee or wasp
  • Medications,particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
  • Latex or other substances you touch,which can cause allergic skin reactions

When to see a doctor

You might see a doctor if you have symptoms you think are caused by an allergy, and over-the-counter allergy medications don’t provide enough relief. If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the doctor who prescribed it right away.

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