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Allergies are affecting more and more people. Whether it's pollen, animal hair or dust - our nose starts to itch, our eyes water and our immune system begins to fight back. An allergy is an exaggerated pathological defense reaction of the immune system to substances that are actually harmless.

What is an allergy and what triggers it?

In an allergy, the immune system mistakes a harmless substance, the allergen, for a danger and forms antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These attach to mast cells, immune cells of the skin, intestines and mucous membranes, which then release histamine and other inflammatory messengers. Common triggers are pollen, animal hair, house dust, foods and contact allergens; the guide to common allergies explains the process in detail. The most common sun allergy is not a true allergy, but the skin reacts to UV light with similar redness and itching. When mast cells release their messengers permanently, doctors speak of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).

Hay fever, asthma and skin: how allergies show up

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is the most common allergy. In a survey of more than 9,600 adults in six European countries, 23% had hay fever confirmed by a doctor, and 45% of them had never been diagnosed. Untreated hay fever can spread to the lower airways: people with allergic rhinitis had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing asthma. Allergic asthma is triggered by pollen, house dust mites, animal dander or moulds. On the skin, allergies appear as hives, eczema and rashes, and people with atopic dermatitis often have hay fever as well.

Less contact with allergens in everyday life

Avoiding the allergen as far as possible is the basis of every allergy treatment. The pollen load can be reduced noticeably: checking the pollen forecast, keeping windows closed on dry, windy days, showering before bed and drying laundry indoors. In a survey of 50 people with a pollen allergy, a face mask lowered the share with moderate to severe nasal symptoms from 92% to 56%, and a salt water nasal rinse washes pollen off the nasal lining. More everyday tips are collected in the guide to pollen allergy.

Treatment and natural support

Antihistamines block histamine and usually bring quick relief, nasal steroid sprays calm the inflammation in the nose, and allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) targets the cause. Naturopath Adriane Jacoby explains how she treats allergies naturally with calcium, krill oil, black cumin oil and MSM. In a meta-analysis of eight randomised trials, the odds of successful allergic rhinitis treatment were more than four times as high with black cumin oil. With 2,600 mg of MSM daily, upper airway symptoms fell significantly after seven days, and 1,000 mg of calcium reduced nasal swelling after allergen contact. In the laboratory, stinging nettle blocked the histamine H1 receptor.

All allergy guides at a glance

• Common allergy: causes, symptoms and the 7 best dietary supplements for allergies.
• 5 natural helpers against allergies: acute and long-term help for hay fever.
• Hay fever and pollen allergy: triggers, symptoms and 8 everyday tips.
• Treating allergies naturally: expert interview on natural hay fever treatment.
• Black cumin oil: 12 health benefits, from hay fever to allergic reactions.
• Stinging nettle: from prostate problems to allergy relief.
• Relieving asthma naturally: allergic triggers and 10 gentle methods.
• Neurodermatitis: atopic dermatitis and natural helpers for the skin.
• Sun allergy: polymorphic light eruption and sun protection.
• MCAS: mast cells, symptoms and diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

What are common allergy symptoms?

Typical allergy symptoms are an itchy, runny or blocked nose, frequent sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a scratchy throat and itching on the skin. Hives, eczema, skin rashes, difficulty breathing and asthma are also common. Many people also feel tired, sleep badly and find it harder to concentrate (allergy symptoms).

Is this a cold or allergies?

Itchy eyes and nose, clear watery discharge and sneezing in fits point to an allergy, especially when the symptoms return at the same time every year and get worse outdoors on dry, windy days. A raised temperature, aching limbs and thicker discharge point to a cold, which is over after a few days. An allergy test at the doctor's shows which pollen is involved (cold or allergy).

How can I relieve allergy symptoms fast?

Antihistamines usually bring quick relief, and less contact with the allergen helps at the same time: a shower before bed, closed windows on high pollen days and a salt water nasal rinse. Black cumin oil reduced a blocked nose, nasal itching and sneezing within the first two weeks, and MSM eased upper airway symptoms after seven days (natural helpers for hay fever).

Are allergies dangerous? When should I see a doctor?

Hay fever should be checked by a doctor, because people with allergic rhinitis have a 3.5 times higher risk of asthma. Shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the tongue, lips or throat, dizziness or feeling faint after allergen contact can signal anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction: then the emergency number 112 is called and a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector is used immediately (emergency signs).