What Causes Allergies?

Allergy symptoms happen when your immune system reacts to a substance as though it were an unwelcome invader. Although this is normally helpful when fighting off infection, this inappropriate response to an otherwise harmless thing is what we usually refer to as an allergy.

The immune system produces special antibodies capable of recognizing the same allergic substance (called an allergen) if it enters the body at a later time. When it does, the immune system recognizes it and reacts by releasing histamine and other substances that cause itchy water eyes, nose and sinus congestion, sneezing, and scratchy throat.

Some people can also get itchy red bumps on their skin called hives, shortness of breath, skin irritations such as eczema and even respiratory problems like asthma.

You may have inherited your allergies from your parents. If one of your parents has allergies, you have a 50% chance of having allergies, two. If both parents have allergies, the likelihood can exceed 75%. Thanks, Mom & Dad.