Common allergic symptoms include itching, watery eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion, and occasionally more severe reactions. Allergens include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, feathers, foods, medications and insect venom.
The Immune System is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against infections. Disorders include immunodeficiency, when part of the Immune System is missing or malfunctioning; autoimmune disorders, when the immune system mistakes the body’s healthy organs and tissues for foreign invaders; and allergic disorders, when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens.
Common allergens include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, feathers, foods, medications and insect venom.
Allergists treat ailments such as hay fever, asthma, eczema, hives and other diseases of compromised immune systems.
Disorders include immunodeficiency disorders, which occur when part of the immune system is missing or malfunctioning; autoimmune disorders, which occur when the immune system mistakes the body’s healthy organs and tissues for foreign invaders; allergic disorders, which occur when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens.
Antigens are classified as any substance that is capable of causing an immune response. Antigens that cause disease are called pathogens. Pathogens are attacked by the immune system in order to protect the body from their harmful effects.
Immunotherapy is a method of desensitizing the immune system by exposing it to small quantities of antigens on a frequent basis. The goal is to "trick" the immune system into tolerating antigens such as pollens and medications, lessening the harmful effects on the body.
