What is an Allergic Reaction?

Your own immune system is what really causes allergic reactions.  Grass and tree pollen’s, ragweed, dust- it mistakes these harmless allergens for a serious threat and attacks them. The sneezing, watery eyes or coughing are the result of your body mistakenly attacking itself.It begins with exposure to the allergen. Even if you’ve inhaled an allergen many times before with no trouble, at some point, the body flags it as an invader. The immune system studies the allergen and readies itself for the next exposure by developing antibodies; you are now “sensitized” to the allergen.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month. If you are having trouble finding relief from allergies, contact Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center to set an appointment with one of our physicians at 718-670-5486.