Click here for an archive of other articles . The media is replete with articles and advertisements about allergic disease. It is not that we need reminders about how much we suffer from allergies, but that the market for commercial preparations to relieve allergies is so huge. There is often a family history of allergy suggesting a genetic predisposition to allergies. Those of us lucky enough not to be allergic can tolerate these allergens without adverse consequences.
Symptoms reflect the portal of entry of the allergens into the body.
Since the nose and mouth are also the portal of entry for the gastrointestinal tract, food allergies can also cause airway symptoms. Any allergen that is ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin can cause hives. Allergic disease may also masquerade as infectious disease, presenting as recurrent lung, sinus, ear or skin infection. The causative allergens can often be identified by carefully noting conditions that precede the symptoms. Fall is the leaf mold season.