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 Allergies

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Causes of Allergic Symptoms

Having an allergy means that your body perceives a harmless substance (the allergen) as dangerous and starts a battle to take care of it. This hypersensitivity process is called an allergic reaction. Common allergens include pollen, mold, animal dander, and cockroach and house dust mite droppings.

When the body senses an allergen, antibodies are produced, which attach to special cells called mast cells that release a substance called histamine. Histamine narrows the bronchial tubes in the lungs, dilates blood vessels and produces secretions such as mucus. Histamine is the main substance responsible for symptoms characteristic of an allergic reaction.

In the Encyclopedia:

Allergic rhinitis
Allergic purpura
Hives
Physical allergy

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.


 
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