Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Allergy?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

An allergy is an immune system response to a substance the body perceives as harmful. Although the substance, called an allergen, may be harmless, an abnormal immune system will respond to contact, inhalation or ingestion of the allergen as an attack. The body's response to an allergen, known as an allergic reaction, can be as minor as sneezing or as serious as potentially fatal system shock. Common substances that create an allergic reaction include antibiotics, nuts, plants, pet dander and insect venom.

Symptoms vary depending on the allergy, but many present like common cold symptoms. Low fever, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a sore or scratchy throat may all indicate allergies. Many reactions to chemical allergens, such as latex or parabens, include a bumpy or itchy skin rash called contact dermatitis. Serious reactions should be treated with prompt medical care, and include swelling, asthma attacks, or the narrowing of airways.

Sneezing from exposure to pet dander can be a sign of an allergy.
Sneezing from exposure to pet dander can be a sign of an allergy.

What causes an allergic reaction is a question still eluding science, although certain factors are generally held responsible. Many types of allergies have dramatically increased since the mid-20th century, leading some experts to suggest that increased environmental pollution has made immune systems more hypersensitive to attacks. One hypothesis suggests that the high standards of hygiene in the modern world limit a child's exposure to infection and allergens during crucial developmental phases, making a hypersensitive immune system more likely.

An allergy test helps to diagnose what may cause an allergic reaction in a person.
An allergy test helps to diagnose what may cause an allergic reaction in a person.

It remains unknown why allergies will develop in one person and not another. Some experts suggest that allergies are often genetically inherited, with identical twins being particularly likely to share the same issues. Often, an allergic reaction will develop in childhood, but since many reactions tend to worsen with repeated exposure, symptoms can start to appear at any age. Contrarily, some people are able to gradually desensitize their system with exposure, meaning that adults may overcome childhood allergies.

Children might be allergic to pollen in the air.
Children might be allergic to pollen in the air.

Testing for an allergy can be a tricky process, particularly if an allergic reaction could trigger life-threatening conditions. Doctors often employ a skin-patch method of testing for a variety of possible allergic reactions. In skin testing, a tiny dose of an allergen is injected into a marked patch of skin to see if the skin reacts negatively. If serious reactions are a concern, doctors can also use a blood sample, although this takes more time and may be less conclusive than skin testing.

Tree nuts are a common source of allergies in people.
Tree nuts are a common source of allergies in people.

Treatment may depend on the type and severity of the patient's allergic response. In some mild cases, such as sneezing caused by animal dander, patients are told to avoid exposure when possible and take an antihistamine when exposure is necessary. Avoiding the allergic trigger is also key with many food allergies, particularly those that can cause severe responses.

Allergies may manifest as skin rashes.
Allergies may manifest as skin rashes.

When avoidance is impossible, some doctors may recommend shots. This treatment doses the patient with small amounts of the allergen intended to build up tolerance in the immune system. The doses usually begin at a minute level unlikely to cause a response, and increase over time to typical exposure levels.

Allergies are becoming more and more common around the world, but most are minor annoyances. Seasonal hay fever or pet allergies are irritating but harmless most of the time, yet any developing an allergic reaction should be treated with care. If symptoms seem to worsen or include asthma or shortness of breath, some experts recommend seeking medical care at once.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

EliseP

Doctors and scientist do know, for the most part, what allergies are caused by which are allergens like insect bites or stings, certain foods, pollen, dust, animal dander, pollution, mold and cigarette smoke. Symptoms of being allergic to allergens are sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, rashes, breathing difficulties, itchy throat, nasal congestion, stuffy ears, headaches, hives and sore throats.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Sneezing from exposure to pet dander can be a sign of an allergy.
      By: fotosmile777
      Sneezing from exposure to pet dander can be a sign of an allergy.
    • An allergy test helps to diagnose what may cause an allergic reaction in a person.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      An allergy test helps to diagnose what may cause an allergic reaction in a person.
    • Children might be allergic to pollen in the air.
      By: coldwaterman
      Children might be allergic to pollen in the air.
    • Tree nuts are a common source of allergies in people.
      By: Elena Schweitzer
      Tree nuts are a common source of allergies in people.
    • Allergies may manifest as skin rashes.
      By: darkhriss
      Allergies may manifest as skin rashes.
    • Allergies may need to be combated with prescription medication.
      By: NorGal
      Allergies may need to be combated with prescription medication.
    • A blood test can reveal what triggers an allergic reaction.
      By: luchshen
      A blood test can reveal what triggers an allergic reaction.
    • Itching of the face, mouth, neck and throat are common symptoms of food allergies.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Itching of the face, mouth, neck and throat are common symptoms of food allergies.
    • Doctors may use skin tests to help diagnose a food allergy or a sensitivity to certain medications.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Doctors may use skin tests to help diagnose a food allergy or a sensitivity to certain medications.
    • Latex allergy symptoms, which can be triggered by items such as latex condoms, can cause wheezing, hives, tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion and rash.
      By: MarieC
      Latex allergy symptoms, which can be triggered by items such as latex condoms, can cause wheezing, hives, tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion and rash.
    • Identical twins are likely to share the same allergies.
      By: Svetlana Fedoseeva
      Identical twins are likely to share the same allergies.
    • Some people may be allergic to certain kinds of laundry detergents.
      By: elena korn
      Some people may be allergic to certain kinds of laundry detergents.
    • Some outdoor allergies, such as hay fever, can cause a runny nose, sore throat and itchy eyes.
      By: Jane Doe
      Some outdoor allergies, such as hay fever, can cause a runny nose, sore throat and itchy eyes.
    • Asthma can either be inherited, or caused by exposure to certain allergens.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Asthma can either be inherited, or caused by exposure to certain allergens.
    • Some people get allergic reactions caused by the dander from their pets.
      By: jagodka
      Some people get allergic reactions caused by the dander from their pets.