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| − | An '''allergy''' is a reaction of the [[immune system]]. The term allergy is also known as hypersensitivity. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are | + | An '''allergy''' is a reaction of the [[immune system]].<ref name="Epidemic">{{cite book|pages=40-44|title=The Allergy Epidemic|date=June 2015|issn=1176-8746|author=Anna Richards|publisher=Healthy Food Guide}}</ref> The term allergy is also known as [[hypersensitivity]]. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are |
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| | * [[Pollen]] | | * [[Pollen]] |
| − | * [[Dust mite]]s | + | * Dust mites |
| − | * [[Mold]] spores | + | * Mold spores |
| | * Pet dander | | * Pet dander |
| − | * [[Food]] | + | * [[Food]]<ref name="Epidemic" /> |
| | * [[Insect]] stings | | * [[Insect]] stings |
| | * [[Medicine]]s | | * [[Medicine]]s |
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| | ==Causes== | | ==Causes== |
| − | Scientists think both [[gene]]s and the environment have something to do with it. Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm.
| + | [[Scientist]]s think both [[gene]]s and the [[environment]] have something to do with it. Normally, your immune system fights [[germ]]s. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. |
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| | Some studies have shown a link between [[vaccination]]s and food allergies.<ref>http://barbfeick.com/vaccinations/allergy/951-vaccine_allergy.htm</ref> <ref>https://www.naturalnews.com/055457_vaccines_food_allergies_CDC_study.html</ref> | | Some studies have shown a link between [[vaccination]]s and food allergies.<ref>http://barbfeick.com/vaccinations/allergy/951-vaccine_allergy.htm</ref> <ref>https://www.naturalnews.com/055457_vaccines_food_allergies_CDC_study.html</ref> |
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| | ==Symptoms== | | ==Symptoms== |
| − | Allergies can cause a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling or asthma. Symptoms vary. Although allergies can make one feel bad, they are usually not fatal. However, a severe reaction called [[anaphylaxis]] is life-threatening. | + | Allergies can cause a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling or [[asthma]]. Symptoms vary. Although allergies can make one feel bad, they are usually not fatal. However, a severe reaction called [[anaphylaxis]] is life-threatening. |
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |