Allergic conditions

Overview

An allergy is an altered, excessive reaction of the immune system to environmental substances that are actually harmless. The immune system then no longer reliably distinguishes between harmful and harmless substances, so that pollen, foods, animal hair and much more can already trigger a defensive reaction.

In Germany, around one in three people is affected by an allergy at some point in their life – and the trend is rising. Mental state can also influence allergic processes: in those with a corresponding predisposition, stress at work or in private life can trigger or intensify reactions.

Areas of application

• Recurrent sneezing, runny nose or blocked nose
• Itchy, reddened or watery eyes
• Skin rash, itching or weals
• Breathing difficulties, up to shortness of breath
• Reactions after certain foods, medicines or insect stings

Risks & notes

• Some allergic reactions can be severe: in the case of an insect venom or food allergy, a life-threatening anaphylactic shock is possible.
• In the event of sudden shortness of breath, circulatory problems, dizziness or rapid extensive swelling, call the emergency number 112 immediately.

Forms of allergic conditions

• Hay fever – inflammation of the conjunctiva and mucous membranes triggered by tree, grass, blossom and herb pollen.
• Persistent allergic rhinitis – triggered, for example, by animal hair, house dust mites or moulds.
• Allergic asthma – can develop from long-standing allergic rhinitis, with inflammation of the bronchi and shortness of breath.
• Food allergy – a reaction to certain foods with swelling and itching; can also trigger gastrointestinal complaints.
• Urticaria (hives) – formation of weals on the skin; in severe cases, the risk of an allergic shock.
• Drug allergy – frequently caused by antibiotics or pain and anti-rheumatic medicines; usually as a skin rash, in rare cases also with severe reactions.
• Sun allergy – an itchy skin rash after exposure to light.
• Insect venom allergy – for example, after a bee or wasp sting; can lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema) – intensely itchy skin eczema within the context of a complex clinical picture.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is an allergy?

An excessive reaction of the immune system to substances that are actually harmless. The body fights substances such as pollen or certain foods as if they were dangerous.

Can allergies be treated?

Yes. Following allergy testing, and depending on the findings, avoidance of the trigger, hyposensitisation (causal therapy) and symptom-relieving medicines may be considered. You can find more on this under Allergy testing and Allergy treatment.

When should I have an allergy investigated?

In the case of recurrent complaints such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes or reactions after foods, insect stings or medicines. An early assessment helps to treat complaints in a targeted way.