“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the immune system to a particular substance, called an allergen, that is usually harmless to most people. Allergens can be found in a wide range of sources such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods, insect venom, and medications.
When an allergen is encountered, the immune system produces a specific antibody, called immunoglobulin E (IgE), that triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body, causing a range of symptoms. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy and may include sneezing, runny nose, itching, hives, swelling, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Allergies can be diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, medical history, and allergy tests such as skin prick tests, blood tests, or patch tests. Treatment for allergies may involve avoiding the allergen when possible, taking medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroids to relieve symptoms, and immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy.
If you suspect you may have an allergy, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.