Experiencing an allergic reaction, no matter the symptoms or source, means the body is reacting abnormally via an immunological response. Specialists in allergy immunology take an all-encompassing approach to help people with allergies combat the body’s response to allergens instead of simply masking symptoms. Discover more about the complex relationship between allergens and immunity below.

A Guide to Allergies & the Immune System

What Is the Immune System?

The immune system comprises a broad range of cells, tissues, and organs which protect the body against attacks from foreign invaders. While these invaders may include viruses and infections, they can also be allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold. The organs that play a role in immunity are called the lymphoid organs, and they control the response of white blood cells, which are carried to various areas of the body to protect against threats.

What Happens When It’s Compromised by Allergens?

When a person with allergies comes into contact with a substance that should be harmless, such as pollen, their immune system overreacts by producing antibodies which attack the allergen. Symptoms of allergies then ensue, such as watery eyes, runny nose, and wheezing. Unfortunately, these allergens can actually undermine your immune system, exacerbating its response and worsening existing allergies overall while leaving you predisposed to new ones.

How Can You Strengthen It During Allergy Attacks?

Working with an allergy immunology specialist is the best way to optimize your body’s response to allergens and promote a healthy immune system. These specialists develop a personalized approach to help patients overcome their allergies by removing toxins and providing the body with the nutrition it needs to function its best. Allergy immunology treatments may encompass prescriptive lifestyle modifications or nutritional therapy via supplements or dietary changes, among other possible solutions.

If you’re seeking relief from worsening allergies, allow Integrative Medicine of New York, PLLC in Westbury, NY, to help you take a defensible approach against allergens while boosting your immune system. Specializing in allergy immunology, oncoimmunology, and preventive medicine, Dr. Jesse A. Stoff, the practice’s lead physician, is an internationally renowned expert in clinical immunology. Learn more about the immune system’s role in chronic conditions and overall health by visiting the practice online or call (516) 759-4200 to schedule an appointment.