Asthma and Allergy > Allergies

Allergies

	One out of five people have allergies.

An allergy is a reaction of your immune system to a harmless substance such as a pollen or food protein. Usually the immune system functions as the body’s defense against invading bacteria and viruses, but in allergic reactions, the immune system is responding to a false alarm. So, in fact, it is not the allergen, but your body’s immune system response to it that causes allergic symptoms.

The variety of things to which a person can become allergic is almost endless. Sensitivity usually occurs only after repeated exposure to the substance. People who have allergies may be sensitive to more than one allergen.

The tendency to have allergies is inherited from your parents. They can develop at any age. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person.

Living with allergies

Allergies cannot be cured, but steps can be taken to control symptoms.

The best treatment for allergies is to avoid the allergen that causes symptoms. This may involve changing your environment, diet or habits. Medications or allergy shots may be needed to control symptoms, especially when the allergen cannot be avoided.