ABSTRACT
Allergy is the intolerance of the body to a specific substance due to an immune response to a specific antigen. An allergy can range in severity from a nuisance to a lifethreatening emergency (anaphylaxis). Common allergies include asthma, hayfever and eczema. Allergies to drugs or foods such as peanuts may occur and can be lifethreatening. Certain individuals and families are atopic. Atopic individuals are at higher risk of developing certain allergies such as asthma, hayfever and eczema.
