Video: How Does the Body Stage an Allergy?

Filed in archive Living with Allergies on June 22, 2006

You breathe in, eat or touch potential allergens all the time, mostly without even taking notice. That's because they're usually harmless. But if your immune system mistakes pollen, pet dander or some other safe substance for a dangerous invader, you may develop an allergy.

But how? Here's a video from the Mayo Clinic clearly explaining how the body stages an allergic reaction.

What it doesn't answer, and I think there is no answer yet, is why there are people who show allergy symptoms to stuff at all.