An allergy is a hypersensitivity, or abnormal reaction, to a substance that is ordinarily harmless to most people. Substances which cause allergies are called allergens or antigens. Animal allergens, pollen, house dust, molds, foods and medicines are only a few substances that trigger allergic episodes. Fabric softeners, soaps, detergents, perfumes, scented cosmetics, insecticides, cleaning fluids, paints, tobacco, and even fumes given off by vehicles and industry can set off allergies. In short, anyone can be allergic to anything.
[Section Updated: 2/97] Allergists often point to medical tests which find IgE or IgG or other test detectable substances in the blood stream, or by skin reactions, when defining a source of a substance sensitivity. Clinical Ecologists, or Environmental Medicine Practitioners, on the other hand, often define an allergy as any environmental stimulus that produces an undesired symptom or an intolerance. The subtle definition difference is not so subtle when the doctors choose techniques to find sensitivities to foods and chemicals. The clinical ecologist may use the allergist’s blood and skin testing, but if they haven’t been useful in resolving the problems, he will go on with less conventional means to find the root of the problems. The traditional allergist is out of his league when blood tests and skin tests do not pinpoint a problem. In this FAQ we will use the latter, “broad”, definition as it better covers chemical and food problems. That is, any environmental stimulus that produc
An allergy is an overcompensation of the body’s immune system when confronted with the protein of a food, a drug (such as penicillin), a bee sting or an airborne pollen that the body views as an invader. The body releases an overload of histamines in response to the attacker substance, which can create symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, general swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, quickened heart rate and finally loss of consciousness because of a drop in the person’s blood pressure. This is called anaphylaxis. Some people might misuse the term, “allergy” in an attempt to explain their intolerance of a food or drug. Lactose intolerant children may not be able to drink milk without extreme gastrointestinal upset, however this differs from an allergy. An allergic reaction would have the various symptoms listed above in addition to the upset stomach. A natural aversion to a food might signal an allergy. My son’s grandmother has been “peanut averse” all her life.
When most people think of an allergy, they think of the sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes caused by pollen. In fact, allergies can be caused by just about any substance that you inhale or swallow, or which touches your skin. Your body’s immune system is designed to attack harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. But with allergies, your body launches an assault on substances that are basically harmless — such as pollen, mold, dust mites, pet saliva and dander, and even medications and insect sting venom. Allergies are extremely common. About 40% of the population suffers from them, leading to millions of missed work days and school days each year. Annual medical costs exceed $4 billion. Not only do allergies cause a range of annoying symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes, but they can aggravate or trigger other conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, and ear infections. For example, when allergies cause inflammation in your nasal passages, the opening to your sinuses can beco
When most people think of an allergy, they think of the sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes caused by pollen. In fact, allergies can be caused by just about any substance that you inhale or swallow, or that touches your skin. You can also be allergic to shots. Your body’s immune system is designed to attack harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. But with allergies, your body launches an assault far beyond what is called for on substances such as pollen, mold, dust mites, pet saliva and dander, and even medications and insect sting venom. Immunity is helpful protection against a substance. An allergy, meanwhile, is harmful hypersensitivity to that substance.