What are allergies?
Allergies are simply the response of your immune system towards a foreign substance that enters your body. Your immune system perceives the invader (foreign substance) as a harmful entity and starts a chain of events called the allergic reaction. In response to the allergen, a foreign substance, your body produces antibodies (IgE) that help in removing the invaders from the system. Meanwhile, a chemical called histamine is released during this reaction that causes symptoms of allergy.
Symptoms of Allergy
The symptoms of allergy depend upon the foreign substance involved, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, latex, stings, medication, and certain food. Most of the allergies pose a common set of symptoms, including:
- Inflammation of the nasal lining
- Swelling of eyes
- Sneezing
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Itching and swelling at the site of contact
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Dizziness
- Hypotension
- Rapid pulse