Appalachian Audiology

What are "Allergies?"

An "allergy" is simply an over-reaction of the immune system to a substance that is inhaled, eaten, or touched and viewed as a threat. When a foreign substance is introduced to the body, the immune system may treat this usually harmless substance as a threat. It immediately produces antibodies to neutralize the threat and to protect the body from future "attacks" by the same substance. This process leads to the release of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the symptoms associated with allergies including sneezing, inflammation, scratchy throat, and runny nose. Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction is known as an "allergen." Pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander are the most common allergens. Allergies can be inherited and are often unique to the individual. For more information on allergies, visit The Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Image provided courtesy of renjithkrishnan