Dictionary of Environmental Health
A particular sensitivity on the part of an individual demonstrated on contact with a particular substance, the latter being known as an ALLERGEN.
The allergic reaction is produced when allergens stimulate the production of ANTIBODIES that in turn release substances which produce an immune response; the response is the allergy. An allergy can be produced as a result of contact with almost anything, but the most common allergies include hay fever, eczema and food allergies.
See also: ANAPHYLAXIS
This is the complete article, containing 79 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
View More Summaries on Allergy
