Allergies

What is meant by the term allergy?

An allergy is an acquired hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system that makes the body ill, i.e. the organ that is normally responsible for warding off disease pathogens reacts excessively strongly in this case and thus causes the symptoms of the allergy. It is always based on a genetic disposition, a so-called atopia.

How does an allergy develop?

An allergy is always based on a genetic disposition, a so-called atopia. For an allergy to break out, i.e. for it actually to result in allergic symptoms, various factors have to come together: The contact with allergens is the key here. It is also known today that the 'Western lifestyle' plays a decisive role in the development of allergies. The cause of an allergy cannot be specifically named, but it is known that children who get certain infections early on suffer less frequently from allergies. The colonisation of the intestinal flora by certain bacteria also plays a role and so does the diet. Food additives such as colorants and preservatives probably also play a role, as do fragrances in washing powders, cosmetics, etc.

What is meant by the term allergen?

An allergen is a substance foreign to the body that is able to trigger an immune response in the form of an allergy. These are normally proteins. For example, pollen, animal hair, house dust mite faeces or insect venoms can be considered here.