Allergies are a very common problem, affecting at least two out of every ten Americans. Additionally, research indicates that people who have adverse reactions to one allergen tend to have the same, or similar, reactions to other substances.

The most common allergy symptoms affect the exposed mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses, eyes, ears, mouth and throat. In some people, allergic reactions can affect major organs such as the skin, lungs, digestive system and circulatory system.

• You are exposed to an allergen, which your body identifies as a dangerous or pathogenic substance
• Your body begins to produce a specific type of antibody called IgE in response
• The produced IgE attaches to blood cells in the airways, in the digestive tract, the mucous membranes and elsewhere.
• The IgE-infused blood cells bond with the allergen in an attempt to contain, control and eliminate it.
• This triggers a reaction that releases a variety of chemicals – including histamine – which cause most of the symptoms of an allergy.