Bencard AG

Allergy

An allergy is caused by a malfunction in the immune system. While our body's immune system normally only reacts to harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, the oversensitive immune system of an allergic person defends itself against harmless substances from nature and the environment (e.g. components of plant pollen or house dust mites). So-called allergens can cause allergic reactions even in very small amounts. Itchy, watery, burning eyes, a runny, stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing and skin rashes are common allergy symptoms.

Is it an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction does not show up the first time you come into contact with the allergen. Eye tears in pollen allergy sufferers, itchy nose in house dust mite allergy sufferers or severe wheal formation on a wasp sting in insect venom allergy sufferers. The patient first feels symptoms when the second contact with the allergen occurs. Antibodies, which ultimately lead to an allergic reaction, the IgE antibodies, are only formed by the body after initial contact with the allergen. This immunization process is called sensitization.
If a sensitized allergy patient comes into contact with the specific allergen again, it binds to the IgE antibodies and inflammatory processes similar to an infection are triggered in the body. The released histamine and other messenger substances attack the skin and mucous membranes. This immune reaction or IgE reaction manifests itself for those affected, for example, as a runny nose, in the form of watery, burning eyes.