Allergies occur when the immune system produces an overly strong response to substances in the environment that are normally harmless, such as dust, animal hair, insect stings, mould, pollen and certain foods (1). These substances are known as allergens (1).  

Allergic diseases affect one in five people in Australia (2) and include hay fever, food allergies, sinus issues, asthma, hives, eczema and dermatitis (1).  

An allergic reaction occurs when an allergen enters the body and is mistakenly identified by the immune system as a harmful substance (3). Your immune system reacts by producing specific antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that trigger mast cells to release chemicals, including histamine, causing allergy symptoms (4).  

Allergic reactions can affect the nose, eyes, sinuses, throat, skin, gut and lungs (3). 

Allergy symptoms vary depending on the type of allergen but may include a runny nose, itchy or dry skin, sneezing, abdominal pain, red or itchy eyes, coughing, headache, rash, breathlessness, wheezing, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and swollen eyes, lips, mouth or throat (3,5).  

A severe type of allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can cause breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, wheezing, a fast heartbeat, confusion, skin rash, nausea and vomiting (3,5). Allergies to certain foods, medications and insect stings are common causes of anaphylaxis (5). 

Herbal and nutritional medicine can assist in alleviating allergy-related symptoms by restricting the release of histamine and improving immune system function (1,5,6,7,8,9,10).