What is allergy?
What is allergy?
An allergy is a reaction produced by the body's immune system when it is exposed to a specific substance that it has become hypersensitive to. The body overreacts to a substance that typically causes no problems in most people.
What are the most common allergens?6
Allergies are caused by substances called allergens. The most common allergens include:
grass and tree pollen
dust mites
animal dander
insect bites and stings
food
medicines
latex
mould
household chemicals
Exposure to an allergen triggers the production of antibodies, which bind with the allergen and then to receptors on mast cells, which in turn release inflammatory chemicals such as histamine, leading to symptoms of an allergic reaction. This can typically occur within minutes of exposure to the allergen.