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Special Allergies – when the body over-reacts

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system is activated in reaction to a harmless foreign substance. The result is an excessive immune response. Almost one in three people in Germany will have an allergy at some point in their lives. In addition to pollen, there are many other substances that can cause an allergic reaction.

Allergies

What are the causes and symptoms of an allergy?

Substances that trigger allergies are called allergens. These are foreign substances which enter the body from the external environment.

There are different groups of allergens, for example:

Hay fever

Pollen season is hay fever season

When the trees and plants begin to bloom in the spring, many people suffer from hay fever – an allergic reaction of the upper airways to pollen. Hay fever is also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Find out more about hay fever

Hay fever is very common. Learn more here about its symptoms, prevention and treatment.

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Insect venom allergy

Insect bites can trigger nasty symptoms.

Although stings from bees and wasps are unpleasant, they are usually harmless. However, some people with an insect venom allergy will experience a severe immune response if stung. This can be life threatening.

Find out more about insect venom allergies

Here you can find out how to avoid stings and what to do in the event of an allergic reaction to a sting.

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Food allergy

Food allergies – not every intolerance is an allergy

The body may react sensitively to certain types of food without the person actually having an allergy. A careful medical diagnosis is essential to ensure proper treatment of symptoms.

Find out more about food allergies

Here you can find out how to identify a food allergy and learn about possible triggers.

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Contact allergy (contact dermatitis)

Eczema is a typical sign of a contact allergy

If contact with metal in jewelry, latex gloves, soap, deodorant or cleaning products causes rashes, this may be due to a contact allergy, also known as allergic contact dermatitis. The allergy is often related to a person’s occupation.

Find out more about contact allergies

This article discusses possible symptoms and how they are treated.

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Climate change and pollen: why allergies are on the increase

Studies indicate an increase in allergic respiratory diseases due to climate change. The principal reason is the increase in the pollen count. Find out how allergies are connected to climate change.

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Medication allergy

Medication can also have undesired effects. These side effects include allergic reactions. When this happens, the immune system reacts to ingredients found in the medication.

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Animal allergy

In an animal allergy it is not the fur that causes a reaction, but proteins that are found in the animal’s saliva, for instance. Avoiding contact with the animal can help, as can taking medication.