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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

An '''allergy''' is an inappropriate and sometimes '''''life-threating''''' immune response (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><ref name="Allergy">{{cite book|pages=70|title=''Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy'' (15th Edition)|date=2017|ISBN=9780323377317|author=Staci Nix|publisher=Elsevier/Lecturer}}</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 can be grouped as

* [[Pollen]]

* [[Pollen]]

* Dust mites

* Dust mites

==Causes==

==Causes==

[[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.

Allergists (scientist that study allergies) think both [[gene|genetics]] and the [[environment]] contribute to the manifestation of allergies. Normally, your immune system fights [[germ| germs]]. It is the body's God-given defense system against potential harm. In most allergic reactions, however, the immune system is attacking a normally harmless substance.<ref name="Allergy">{{cite book|pages=70|title=''Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy'' (15th Edition)|date=2017|ISBN=9780323377317|author=Staci Nix|publisher=Elsevier/Lecturer}}</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>   

Some studies have shown a link between [[vaccination|vaccinations]] 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>   

==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.

 

Non-life threating allergic reaction symptoms can include: a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling of the skin, or [[asthma]]. Symptoms can vary. '''''Allergies''' should not be confused with '''[[Intolerance|intolerances/food intolerances]]''' which are '''never''' life-threating.'' Although '''[[Food Intolerances]]''' (problems with digestion and metabolism of certain foods) can make one feel bad (by causing indigestion or bloating such as in a ''gluten intolerance''), they are not fatal.<ref name="Allergy">{{cite book|pages=70|title=''Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy'' (15th Edition)|date=2017|ISBN=9780323377317|author=Staci Nix|publisher=Elsevier/Lecturer}}</ref>

==References==

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Medicine]]

[[Category:Medicine]]