Allergies are very common and are increasing day by day. Allergies can be of many different types depending upon the causes and symptoms may vary from mild to potentially life threatening.

What is allergy? Reaction of immune system to substances (allergens) in the environment that are harmless for most people is termed as allergy. Allergens are found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, moulds, foods and some medicines. However, Atopy is the tendency to develop allergic diseases. People with atopy are said to be atopic and such diseases are termed as atopic diseases.

Reaction of immune system to allergens leads to allergic inflammation causing redness and swelling.

When a person comes into contact with an allergen, an allergic reaction occurs as it triggers the antibody response in the body. Antibodies attach themselves to special cells, called mast cells and these mast cells respond by releasing histamine. When the release of histamine is due to an allergen, the resulting swelling and inflammation is extremely irritating and uncomfortable.

This can then cause symptoms in the:

• nose and/or eyes which is termed as hay fever (allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis)
• skin – eczema, hives (urticaria)
• lungs – asthma
• food allergy- some people have allergies to certain food products like peanuts , milk, sea food etc. stomach upset can also be caused due to richiness and spiceness of the food itself.

For homoeopathic remedies check out the specific allergy.