What is an Allergy?

Allergy can be defined as an abnormally high sensitivity to common substances (e.g. pollens, foods, dust, animals etc). Symptoms such as sneezing, itching, skin rash are common indications that an allergy is present.

For instance, most people can breathe in a little pollen or play with the family dog with no problem. The body knows that pollen and animal hair are harmless and continues on as usual. However, some people are allergic, and the same pollen or animal hair creates a major reaction in the body.

Substances that can trigger an allergic reaction are called ‘allergens’.

With an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine which is the main cause of allergy symptoms.