Allergies: Why the Body «Rebels» and How to Live With It
Allergies are one of the most common health challenges of the 21st century. According to WHO statistics, every third person on the planet suffers from some form of allergic reaction. But what is it exactly, and why does our immune system sometimes start attacking harmless things?
What is an Allergy?
To put it simply, an allergy is a «mistake» made by the immune system. Our body mistakes an ordinary substance (such as pollen, cat dander, or peanuts) for a dangerous enemy and begins producing antibodies to fight it. As a result, histamine is released into the bloodstream — this is precisely what triggers all the unpleasant symptoms like itching, sneezing, and swelling.