Specialties

Allergy

Allergies, also called allergic diseases, happen when your body's defense system, the immune system, overreacts to things that wouldn't normally bother us, like pollen, dust, or even certain foods. This reaction can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

➜ Itchy eyes and runny nose (like having a cold that won't go away)

➜ Sneezing fits

➜ Skin rashes that itch

➜ Shortness of breath or wheezing (especially with asthma allergies)

➜ Swelling (in severe cases)

Food allergies are different from food intolerances. Allergies involve the immune system, while intolerances cause discomfort but don't involve the immune system.