Allergies, are a number of conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment.  These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma and anaphylaxis.  Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, sneezing, a runny nose, shortness of breath or swelling.  

Common allergens include pollen and certain foods. Metals and other substances may also cause problems.  Food, insect stings, and medications are common causes of severe reactions.  Their development is due to both genetic and environmental factors.  The underlying mechanism involves immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE), part of the body’s immune system, binding to an allergen and then to a receptor on mast cells or basophils where it triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine