An Introduction to Allergy

Whatever the cause, symptom or severity, allergies take their toll on our quality of life and productivity. And they can make life a misery for ourselves and, in particular, our kids, impairing learning and impeding healthy development.

An “allergy” is a hypersensitivity to a particular substance that is normally harmless to most people. These allergy-causing substances are known as allergens. Allergens may enter your system by being inhaled, touched or ingested. Some common allergens include:

foods
pollens
dust mites
animal dander
insect stings
mould

The symptoms of allergy are caused by your immune system reacting—or over-reacting—to these otherwise harmless substances. Allergies can produce many and varied symptoms. At best, they’re inconvenient and annoying. At worst, they can be life threatening.

sneezing
inflamed, itchy eyes
runny or blocked nose
post-nasal drip
wheezy breathing
coughing
prickly throat
swollen lips/tongue/throat

rashes/hives
dry, itchy, cracked, scaly skin
dark circles under eyes
shortness of breath
tightness in chest
sensitivity to light
stomach pain/vomiting/diarrhoea

Intolerances and sensitivities are not technically allergies. Though the symptoms may be similar, the causes, our bodies’ reactions and the health implications are different.

Allergies aren’t curable, but they are treatable and manageable. And effective treatment and management begin with correct medical diagnosis—the first step to prevention is correctly identifying the cause. Which is exactly what we do at Allergy Medical.

If you think an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity could be causing you problems, just ask us.