What Are Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a harmless substance as a threat. When your body encounters this substance, known as an allergen, it releases chemicals like histamine to fight it off. These chemicals are what cause the uncomfortable symptoms most people associate with allergies.
Some people develop allergies in childhood, while others develop them later in life. Genetics, environment, and repeated exposure to certain substances all play a role in how allergies develop. Once your immune system becomes sensitized to a specific allergen, even small amounts of exposure can trigger a reaction.
Common allergens include:
- Tree, grass, and weed pollen
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Environmental irritants such as smoke or chemical fumes
- Certain foods
Allergy reactions can range from mild and occasional to chronic and severe. For many people living in South Texas, symptoms are present year-round due to the region's warm climate and extended pollen seasons.