An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Symptoms include red eyes, itchiness, and runny nose, eczema, hives, or an asthma attack. Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening reactions called anaphylaxis. Food allergies and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees are more often associated with these severe reactions. Not all reactions or intolerances are forms of allergy. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. Allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is formally called type I hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions are distinctive because of excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E. This reaction results in an inflammatory response which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.
- Ways to combat allergy season
- Winds will make Wednesday a tough day for allergies in Northern California
- New technology could create hyperlocal pollen counts. Here's why that matters
- Allergy season arrives in Northeast Ohio
- Garner-Spring Allergies 3 042524
- Toothpaste for Peanut Allergies!
- With Spring in full swing, how can you keep seasonal Allergies at bay?
- Doctor's tips to survive spring allergy season
- Warmer weather hitting allergy sufferers hard
- Dr. Carlos Crudup gives advice on how to deal with spring allergies
- Why your allergies are worse this year
- Providence pollen count remains high with allergy season in full swing
- Allergy season in NorCal: Last year was bad, so is this year