Allergy

An allergy is a hypersensitive immune reaction of the body to non-infectious antigens (allergens) after prior sensitization. The body reacts with signs of inflammation and the formation of antibodies, the so-called antigen-antibody reaction.

An allergy can show itself in many forms, from a mild skin rash to life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic allergic reactions). It can also manifest itself on all levels of the body. It often affects the respiratory tract (rhinitis allergica, rhinosinusitis, bronchial asthma) but typical symptoms can also effect the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract.

Allergies are divided into four groups (types I – IV) depending on the pathomechanism. Allergens can use different pathomechanisms, e.g. a penicillin allergy can occur as a type I or type II allergy. Allergens are usually classified according to the form of contact, e.g. inhalation allergens, contact allergens, food allergens and injection allergens.