Allergy basics

  An allergy is an inappropriate response by the body's immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful. The immune system is a highly complex defense mechanism that helps us to fight infections. It does this by identifying foreign invaders and mobilizing the body's white blood cells to fight them. In some people, the immune system wrongly identifies a nontoxic substance as an invader, and the white blood cells overreact, creating more damage to the body than the invader. Thus, the allergic response becomes a disease in itself.
  Typical allergic responses are nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, itching, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, hives and other skin rashes. Substances that provoke allergic responses are called allergens. Almost any substance can cause an allergic reaction in someone, somewhere in the world, but the most common allergens are pollen, dust mites, animal hair, insect venom, some common drugs ( such as penicillin and aspirin ), some food additives ( such as benzoic acid and sulfur dioxide ) , animal dander, and chemicals found in soap, washing powder, cleaning supplies, and many other chemicals. 
  Many people are allergic to mold. Molds are microscopic living organisms, neither animal nor insect, that thrive where no other life form can. Molds live throughout the house-under the sink and in the bathroom, basement, refrigerator, and any other damp, dark place. They also flourish in the air, in soil, on dead leaves, and on other organic material. Molds can be both destructive and beneficial. Molds help to make cheese, fertilize gardens, and speed decaying of garbage and fallen leaves. Penicillin is made from molds. Molds can also provoke allergic reactions. 
  Mold spores are carried by the wind and predominate in the summer and early fall. They thrive year-round in warm climates. Cutting grass, harvesting crops, or walking through tall vegetation can provoke an allergic reaction. People who repair old furniture are at risk because old wood often harbors mold spores.
  Foods also can provoke allergic reactions. Some of the most common allergic foods in adults are shrimp, lobster, crab, strawberries, chocolate, shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, and other tree nuts, fish and eggs. Children typically outgrow allergies to milk, egg, soy, and wheat, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shrimp persist. Adults do not normally lose an allergy once they have it.

  For more information about organizations that can provide assistance and more information for people with allergies, check out local and national health and medical organizations.      

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