There’s a lot of talk about allergies.

But just what is an allergic reaction, and what causes them? Why do some people have them while others don’t? And why are people with one allergic reaction more inclined to have numerous?

The immune system is set up to secure our bodies from harmful, foreign substances.

Like viruses and germs (dirt and germs), the body’s immune system often does not establish itself appropriately or is just oversensitive and doesn’t respond right.

In these cases, it reacts to things that aren’t harmful and don’t usually trigger people any problems.
These things are called allergens. The term allergens is simply an easier way to state “things that trigger
allergic reactions.”

When the oversensitive or incorrectly established immune system sees these allergens, it sends out chemicals like histamine. It’s the histamines that trigger the signs that prevail with allergic reactions.

Symptoms like itching, watery eyes, runny nose, swelling, hives, or rashes. Different people have
various signs; however, the causes are the same.

The symptoms that are displayed depend on the part of the body the allergen comes in contact with.

Irritants inhaled, like pollen or dust, trigger coughing or wheezing, stuffy or runny noses, and an itchy nose and throat.

Plant allergic reactions usually come in contact with the skin, triggering rashes.

Food allergies typically lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, or, in severe cases, life-threatening
responses.

Drug allergic reactions tend to involve the whole body, so they have a variety of symptoms.

There’s a lot of talk about allergies. Just what is an allergy, and what triggers them? Why do some individuals have them while others don’t? And why are individuals with one allergic reaction more inclined to have numerous?