What is an allergy?
One of the marvels of the
human body is that it can defend itself against harmful invaders such as
viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defenses are too aggressive and harmless
substances such as dust, molds or pollen are mistakenly identified as
dangerous. The immune system then rallies its defenses, which include several
chemicals to attack and destroy the supposed enemy. In the process, some
unpleasant and, in extreme cases, life-threatening symptoms may be experienced
in the allergy-prone individual.
