What is an allergy?

An allergy is an adverse reaction to a protein within our environment, such as those found in nuts or pollen or on pets and animals. These proteins are called allergens and are mostly harmless.

With people who have an allergy, the body reacts to a specific allergen by releasing histamine from mast cells in the lungs, nose, skin or intestine. This causes inflammation and swelling.

Symptoms can include bloated stomach, itchy skin, tissue swelling and wheezing.

Common allergic diseases include a food substance, asthma, hayfever eczema and urticaria or hives.