Understanding Common Allergies: FAQs and Insights

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless, known as allergens. These allergens are found in foods, airborne particles, pet dander, and pollen. Here's a summary of frequently asked questions about allergies.

What exactly are allergies?
Allergies are immune responses where the body perceives certain substances as threats, triggering symptoms ranging from sneezing to inflammation. The body's defense mechanism reacts differently depending on the allergen involved.

Symptoms vary based on the specific allergen, affecting areas like the respiratory system, digestive tract, or skin. Mild to severe reactions are possible, with severe cases leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Common allergy symptoms include nasal itchiness, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and watery, red eyes. Food allergies may cause mouth tingling, swelling, hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Reactions to insect bites can result in swelling, hives, chest tightness, wheezing, and breathlessness.

**What causes allergies?
While the exact causes are still under research, genetics play a role—if parents have allergies, children are more prone. Common allergens include medications like penicillin, insect bites, and foods such as dairy, wheat, nuts, and seafood. Individuals with a family history of asthma or allergies are at higher risk.