Imunoglobulins are also called antibodies. Antibodies are how the immune system reacts to substances that affect it adversely. Antibodies are also made against bacteria, viruses and fungus. An allergy is any adverse reaction to an environmental substance that most people find harmless. It may be a food or other environmental agent such as animal dander, dusts, pollens clothing or other substances.
Allergies usually have a quick onset of symptoms.
The reaction occurs almost immediately, usually within an hour and is often severe. Allergic reactions may involve a rash, hives or difficulty breathing requiring medical intervention. Berries, shellfish, eggs or peanuts are examples of foods which may cause these severe allergies. Allergies result in production of a specific IgE antibody, which combines with the allergen to precipitate the attack. When the body is reacts to any specific allergen, total levels of IgE are increased.