Allergy
The immune system is overly sensitive to what is typically a harmless matter. The response of the body is excessive causing harm to the body. The result is an allergic reaction.

Allergen
Allergens are reaction causing substances. Airborne allergens include dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander.

Dust
This allergen is experienced year-round at lower altitudes. It is one of the most common causes of allergies. Dust is composed of fabric fibers, bacteria, and allergens microscopic dust mites. Dust Mites live in bedding, upholstery and carpets. Waste products and cockroaches are major household allergens, especially in inner cities.

Pollen
Tiny particles are released into the air to fertilize other plants. An allergy to trees, weeds, or grasses is called hay fever or rose fever. Depending on where you live, tree, grass and ragweed pollination occur in different months. Cool, damp areas have lower pollen counts, while warm, dry, breezy days are higher in pollen. The pollen count is also higher during the morning.

Molds
Fungi dwell indoors and outdoors in warm, moist areas. A musty odor typically means the presence of fungus. Poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, closets and damp basements are prone to mold. Outdoor areas with insufficient drainage like compost and rotting leave piles are good hosts for mold as well. 

Immunoglobin E (IgE)
The body produces this antibody as a natural response to the substance attacking the immune system. IgE becomes affixed to the mast cells and basophils. Histamines and other chemicals are released causing an allergic reaction.

Histamines
The body is extremely sensitive to certain substances. These chemicals are released as the body’s way of fighting off apparent “invaders”.

Allergic Rhinitis
A reaction primarily in the eye and nose areas caused by airborne particles (plant pollen, dust, and dander) is known as allergic rhinitis. When the allergy is due to pollen it is often called hay fever. 

Anaphylaxis
This is a severe sensitivity to a particular allergen such as food, latex, insect venom (particularly fire ants), medication or exercise. If a person has a history of allergies, asthma or anaphylactic reactions, they are more likely to have this intense response to whatever triggers the allergies. After exposure there can be a delayed or biphasic response for three to five hours. This means that a person can have an allergic reaction but have no warning signs.  Idiopathic Anaphylaxis is when a person has identifiable causes for a reaction. However, anyone can develop an allergy without risk factors. Children, asthmatics and those with a history of anaphylactic responses are at an increased risk for having allergies. The immune system of children is not fully developed so they are more susceptible to various food allergies.

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Although food allergies and intolerance to certain foods have similar symptoms, food intolerance is not a break down of the immune system. With food intolerance, a person can eat small portions of those foods he is allergic to without a reaction. Eating foods that your body can’t stomach, cheese for instance, when you are lactose intolerant, although is not dangerous, is certainly not comfortable. Food allergies can be inherited, caused by asthma, or exposure to foods that typically cause allergic reactions early in life.

Common Food Allergies

• Cow’s milk (casein and whey proteins)
• Soy
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Seafood
• Tree nuts, peanuts

Animal Allergens
Any warm-blooded, furry animal (i.e. - household pets), can spark an allergic reaction. The proteins present in the dander, urine and saliva trigger the response. Dogs and cats in particular will clean themselves causing the proteins from their saliva to be airborne.