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What is an allergy and how does it develop in the body?

Repeated sneezing as soon as you wake up in the morning or sudden redness appearing on your skin often brings the possibility of an allergy to mind. So, what is an allergy, a condition that becomes especially relevant during the spring months and that we frequently hear about in everyday life? How does our body initiate this complex process?

In fact, everything begins when our immune system mistakenly perceives normally harmless substances such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, or certain foods as dangerous enemies.

During the first exposure, the immune system recognizes and remembers the substance and becomes sensitized to it. During subsequent exposures, substances such as histamine released from cells cause physical symptoms such as itching, sneezing, watery eyes, or shortness of breath. However, it is important to remember that not every sensitivity or positive test result directly means that a person has an allergy.

In the rest of our article, you can find detailed information about allergies, appropriate diagnostic methods, and practical tips that may help improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of an allergy? How does it affect different organs?

Allergy symptoms vary from person to person depending on how the allergen enters the body and how the immune system responds at that particular time. Sometimes symptoms appear only in one area, while in other cases several systems may be affected simultaneously. So, what are the symptoms of an allergy in the body, and how do different parts of the body respond?

Nose and eyes: When triggered by factors such as pollen or house dust mites, repeated bouts of sneezing and clear nasal discharge may occur. Redness, watering, and itching are the most prominent symptoms affecting the eyes. The most important clue here is itching. Unlike an ordinary cold, persistent itching of the nose and eyes is one of the most characteristic signs of an allergy.
Skin symptoms: Sudden redness, raised rashes, and hives are among the most common skin allergy symptoms. Deeper swelling noticed around the lips or eyelids may indicate a more significant reaction. However, it should be remembered that not every red rash directly indicates an allergy; the time of onset and any products being used should also be taken into consideration.
Respiratory tract: When the lower respiratory tract is affected, persistent coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing may occur. Since these symptoms may be confused with other respiratory conditions, they should be evaluated together with the person’s overall clinical history.
Digestive system: Abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, or diarrhea may occur after consuming certain foods. These types of food allergy symptoms often occur together with skin or respiratory symptoms. However, it is important to remember that bloating or stomach cramps after every meal do not necessarily indicate a food allergy, as intolerances can produce similar symptoms.

When evaluating allergic reactions, the pattern formed by the symptoms is one of the most valuable guides for physicians. Nasal discharge that returns every spring, hives that develop immediately after eating a particular food, or wheezing that worsens after exposure are unlikely to be coincidental. Allergic reactions may begin within minutes of contact with an allergen or may become apparent within several hours.

The most serious form of an allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, may present with sudden swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, dizziness, or low blood pressure. This condition requires emergency medical treatment. The patient should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility.

What causes allergies and who is more likely to develop them?

Various factors contribute to the development of allergies, including the interaction between our genetic inheritance and the environmental factors we are exposed to throughout life. So, why does our immune system begin to fight certain harmless substances that normally pose no threat? Or, more simply, what causes allergies?

Millions of people breathe the same air and consume the same foods. While most of these people experience no problems, some develop allergic reactions. The main reason is that each person’s immune system and genetic makeup are unique, much like a fingerprint. Therefore, explanations such as “they developed an allergy because they were exposed to too much pollen” are clinically incomplete.

Risk factors for allergies include:

Genetics and family history: Having a parent or sibling with conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema may increase the likelihood of developing similar problems.
Atopic tendency and associated conditions: People who already have an allergic condition such as atopic dermatitis or asthma are known to be more likely to develop other allergies over time. Moderate or severe eczema beginning early in childhood may be an important indicator of certain food allergies.
Age-related factors and misconceptions: Although food allergies often begin at an early age and some allergies, such as those to milk or eggs, may disappear over time, allergies are not limited to childhood. Sensitivities to foods such as peanuts or shellfish may persist into adulthood. Furthermore, the belief that “I have eaten this food for years, so nothing will happen to me” can also be misleading because allergies may develop later in life.

Therefore, it is not possible to reach a conclusion based on a single risk factor. The most accurate assessment is made through a detailed clinical history and appropriate tests performed under the guidance of a physician.

What are the types of allergies? How can different types be confused with one another?

Allergies can be classified into different groups according to the factor that triggers the reaction and the body system affected. There are different types of allergies, ranging from those caused by inhaled substances to food- or medication-triggered reactions, as well as skin reactions and conditions that may cause cough-like symptoms.

Another important point is that not every symptom should necessarily be attributed to a single source. For example, a food allergy may affect not only the digestive system but also the skin and respiratory tract at the same time.

How can I distinguish between respiratory, food, medication, skin and insect allergies?

Airborne pollen, house dust mites, mold, and animal dander are among the main triggers of respiratory allergies. Symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and nasal congestion can easily be confused with an ordinary cold. However, if persistent itching is also present and the condition repeatedly occurs during a particular season or in a certain environment, the symptoms may point toward a respiratory allergy.

In food allergies, the immune system is directly involved. In addition to abdominal pain or diarrhea, symptoms may include hives, sudden swelling of the face, and even difficulty breathing.

Medication reactions may create similar confusion. Not every episode of nausea, mild fatigue, or diarrhea represents a true drug allergy. These may simply be common side effects. In a true allergic reaction, however, the body produces immune-mediated responses such as hives, widespread itching, or shortness of breath.

Regarding skin reactions, irritant dermatitis caused by soaps, detergents, or chemicals damaging the skin barrier is often confused with immune-mediated allergic contact dermatitis. In irritant reactions, burning and stinging tend to be more prominent than itching. Similarly, mild pain and swelling around the site of a bee sting are considered a normal local response, whereas widespread hives and difficulty breathing may indicate a true allergic reaction.

It is essential to remember that sudden widespread reactions involving difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or low blood pressure always require urgent medical assessment.

How are allergies diagnosed? Do I need an allergy test?

A definitive allergy diagnosis cannot be made solely on the basis of a blood or skin test result. Information about when symptoms began, the environment or substance that triggered them, and how quickly they developed after exposure provides important reference points that help physicians clarify the diagnosis. Let us also look at the steps followed during this process and the tests that may be performed.

Skin prick test: Very small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin to quickly identify sensitivities to substances such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods. Although results can be obtained within a short period, the test may not be suitable for people with certain skin conditions or those taking specific medications.
Specific IgE blood test: When skin testing cannot be performed, allergen-specific antibodies can be measured in the blood.
Patch test: In reactions such as eczema that develop after contact with soaps, detergents, or chemicals, a patch test is preferred instead of a prick test. Specific substances are kept in contact with the skin for a certain period, and the skin is then observed for a reaction.
Oral food challenge: This is considered the most definitive method when a food allergy is suspected but other tests do not provide a clear answer. The suspected food is administered gradually to the patient under complete medical supervision. Because there is a possibility that emergency intervention may be required, this test should never be attempted at home.

It is important to remember that a positive skin or blood test does not necessarily prove that the substance causes an allergy. Tests only show that the immune system has previously encountered the substance and developed sensitization to it. If the result does not correspond with the patient’s symptoms in everyday life, removing foods you enjoy from your diet simply because a test is positive may be a mistake.

If your body repeatedly reacts after exposure to a particular food, medication, insect sting, or environmental factor, or if you experience persistent nasal and eye symptoms, recurrent hives, or wheezing, specialist evaluation is essential. If your physician considers it necessary, they may also recommend allergy testing.

Expert warning about allergies: Recommendations from Aktif International Hospital internal medicine physicians

The important warnings and points highlighted by the Internal Medicine specialists at Aktif International Hospital regarding allergies can be summarized as follows:

If nasal congestion lasts for weeks, severely disrupts your sleep, forces you to breathe through your mouth, or does not improve despite treatment, the underlying problem may not be allergy alone. Evaluation of anatomical or structural conditions inside the nose may help prevent inappropriate medication use.
Intranasal sprays prescribed by physicians for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and decongestant nasal sprays that provide immediate relief belong to completely different groups. Using decongestant sprays uncontrollably for more than a few days may cause nasal congestion to return even more severely once the medication is stopped. For this reason, these sprays should not be used for longer than a few days without medical supervision.
If you find yourself frequently reaching for decongestant nasal sprays throughout the day, instead of relying on a temporary solution, consult a specialist to investigate the underlying cause of the congestion.

How are allergies treated? Does everyone with an allergy need medication?

In allergy treatment, the treatment plan is individualized according to the type and severity of the allergy and the part of the body affected. Therefore, not everyone with an allergy needs to use allergy medications continuously. The main treatment methods used to relieve and control symptoms include:

Personalized medication treatments: Different forms of medication may be chosen under medical supervision depending on the nature of the symptoms. There is no single allergy pill or allergy syrup that can treat every type of allergy. A specific cream may be used for skin reactions, while sprays or antihistamine tablets may be used for respiratory symptoms. In particular, when allergy symptoms in babies are noticed, the choice of medication and dosage should be carefully planned according to the child’s age and individual sensitivity.
Immunotherapy that modifies the immune response (allergy shots): In certain types of allergy, the goal is not only to suppress symptoms but also to help the body develop tolerance to the responsible substance. Commonly known as allergy shots, this treatment may be administered through regular injections or sublingual preparations and may offer a long-term treatment option.
Emergency treatment for severe reactions: In sudden and life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis, standard medications used for everyday allergy symptoms are not sufficient. In these critical situations, the primary life-saving emergency treatment is adrenaline (epinephrine), usually administered with an auto-injector.

The aim of allergy treatment is not to burden the body with unnecessary medication, but to control symptoms and enable the person to continue daily life safely through an accurate diagnosis, appropriately selected medications, or professional treatment methods such as immunotherapy.

What helps with allergies and is it possible to avoid allergens?

The main way to relieve allergic symptoms is to identify the substance to which the person is sensitive, reduce exposure to that trigger in a practical way, and use appropriate allergy treatment when necessary. Some of the most practical measures that may make everyday life easier include:

For those wondering “what helps with spring allergies?”, one of the most effective measures is to keep windows closed during times when pollen levels are at their highest. Wearing sunglasses outdoors may help reduce direct exposure of the eyes to pollen, while changing clothes after returning home may also help reduce symptoms.
Using special dust mite-proof covers on mattresses and pillows and regularly washing bedding can make a significant difference.
Simply wiping away visible mold provides only a temporary solution. Properly ventilating damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements and drying any areas affected by water leaks can help prevent mold growth.
In homes with pets, one way to reduce allergic reactions is to use air purifiers that help capture airborne particles and dander.

When a food allergy has been clearly diagnosed, the fundamental rule is to avoid the food responsible for the allergic reaction and carefully read product labels. However, removing many foods from the diet based solely on assumptions without a confirmed diagnosis may be harmful. It is important to seek professional guidance when planning your diet.

Nasal irrigation with saline or salt water is commonly used to provide relief from nasal allergy symptoms. However, hygiene is critically important when doing so. If symptoms continue to disrupt your sleep, work, or school life despite environmental precautions, or if you experience persistent nasal congestion or wheezing, it should be considered that measures taken at home may no longer be sufficient.