Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine New York-Presbyterian Hospital (WCM), New York, USA
Review Article
Allergic reactions: Decoding the body's immune response
Author(s): lIrina Vitaly*
An allergic reaction is the body's immune system response to a
substance that it perceives as harmful, even though it's typically
harmless to others. These substances, called allergens, can trigger a
range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening
reactions. Allergic reactions can be triggered by a wide variety of
substances, including pollen, pet dander, certain foods, medications,
insect stings, and latex. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include
sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes or
hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction
characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing,
and loss of consciousness. It requires immediate medical attention.
Allergies can deve.. View More»