An allergy is an altered bodily reactivity or hypersensitivity to an antigen. It consists of an exaggerated response to an allergen - a substance, situation or physical state - incomparable with the average individual. Almost anything can be an allergen, such as pets, dust, food substances, medicines, flowers etc.
Some allergic reactions include, Sneezing, Wheezing, Coughing, Vomiting, Swelling, Rash, Hives, Itchiness, Shortness of breath, Diarrhoea, Runny nose, Headaches and Fatigue.
There are various ways to establish allergies.
A skin prick test containing a sample of the substance can be used. If the patient is allergic to a certain substance the skin will react and become red and itchy.
Another mechanism is to have a blood test. This will test the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood against specific allergens. If you have an allergy you will have developped high rates of IgEs.
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Some allergies can be minor, causing only slight discomfort. Others, however, can be more serious and even life threatening, such as a reaction to a bee sting.
Further information can be obtained from
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