
What Causes Allergies or Allergic Responses?
Allergies, medically known as Allergic Rhinitis is an immune disorder where the body picks up on the presence of foreign substances known as allergens. Allergens can be everything from dust, pollen, or aerosols, to certain foods or substances such as peanuts or lime juice.
The allergic reaction originates within the immune system—it treats harmless allergens as something threatening. When that happens the body releases a substance into the bloodstream known as histamine. You probably know that term if you’ve ever shopped for OTC allergy medicine and seen antihistamines.
It’s because of your sinuses, which are air-filled membranes within your skull in the facial area near the brow. They are connected to your nasal passages by a series of tubes or channels that are collectively known as the osteomeatal complex. Because of this complex, air can flow from your nose into the sinuses. This in turn makes it possible for mucus to drain from the sinuses into your nose.