Nothing ruins a lovely walk in the countryside like consistent sneezing, a runny nose, a wheezy chest, an itchy rash or one of the other many allergic reactions that prohibit the human body. Isn't it time you understand what an allergy is?

An allergy is an over reactive response to an imbalance in the body caused by external factors known as allergens i.e. pollen, dust mites, mold, foods such as eggs, milk and nuts. The body responds to an allergen by sending an army of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a class of antibodies specific for fighting allergens. This often causes histamine to be released through blood cells causing Type I hypersensitivity; results can be as small as a runny nose or as deathly as a swollen windpipe.

You don't have to be afraid of allergies. On the contrary embrace them, educate yourself about what your body is fighting. Once you understand your body's immune system you will be better prepared to protect it. There are numerous remedies available to help with allergy control and prevention but not all are right for your body and circumstance, shop around to find the best solution.

The next three articles with address the following allergy related topics:

• Food Allergies in Children

• Asthma and Eczema

• Tips on Enduring Allergies