Allergic Illness - Allergies Defined

Allergies are over-reactive responses that the body produces to substances called “allergens.” Allergies are triggered by specific allergens or antigens such as dust mites, mold spores, insect bites, or food.

These allergens can get into our body in several ways:

• Inhaled into the nose and the lungs. Examples are airborne pollens of certain trees, grasses and weeds; house dust that include dust mite particles, mold spores, cat and dog dander and latex dust.
• Ingested by mouth. Frequent culprits include shrimp, peanuts and other nuts.
• Injected. Such as medications delivered by needle like penicillin or other injectable drugs, and venom from insect stings and bites. 
• Absorbed through the skin. Plants such as poison ivy, sumac and oak and latex are examples.

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