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What Is an Allergy? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Explained

  • Writer: EvergreenMedicalClinic
    EvergreenMedicalClinic
  • Jul 24
  • 5 min read
Person scratching a red, itchy upper back; large text says Always Itchy? with Evergreen Medical Clinic logo on a dark background.

What Is an Allergy?

An allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance as a threat.

When someone with an allergy encounters a trigger (known as an allergen), their immune system produces an exaggerated response. This can lead to symptoms affecting different parts of the body, including the skin, nose, eyes, lungs, and digestive system.

Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, mould, pet dander, insect stings, medications, and certain foods.

While some allergies may only cause mild discomfort, others can cause severe reactions that require urgent medical attention.

How Does an Allergy Happen?

The immune system is designed to protect the body from harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses.

In people with allergies, the immune system becomes overly sensitive and reacts to harmless substances.

During an allergic reaction:

  1. The body identifies an allergen as a threat.

  2. The immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).

  3. IgE triggers the release of chemicals such as histamine.

  4. Histamine causes allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, sneezing, and inflammation.

This immune response is the reason why a person may experience symptoms after exposure to substances that are harmless to most people.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms vary depending on the allergen and the area of the body affected.

Common symptoms include:


Nose and Respiratory Symptoms

  1. Sneezing frequently

  2. Runny nose

  3. Blocked nose

  4. Itchy nose or throat

  5. Postnasal drip

  6. Coughing

  7. Wheezing or difficulty breathing

These symptoms are commonly seen in allergic rhinitis, often triggered by dust mites, pollen, mould, or pet allergens.

Allergic reactions can affect the skin and may cause:

  1. Itchy skin

  2. Redness

  3. Rashes

  4. Hives (urticaria)

  5. Swelling

  6. Eczema flare-ups

Skin reactions can occur after exposure to foods, medications, skincare products, insect bites, or environmental allergens.

Eye-related allergy symptoms include:

  1. Itchy eyes

  2. Red eyes

  3. Watery eyes

  4. Swelling around the eyes

This is commonly known as allergic conjunctivitis.

Food allergies may cause:

  1. Nausea

  2. Vomiting

  3. Stomach cramps

  4. Diarrhoea

  5. Abdominal discomfort


Unlike food intolerance, food allergies involve the immune system and may cause more serious reactions.


Common Causes and Triggers of Allergies

Allergens vary from person to person. Some of the most common allergy triggers include:

1. House Dust Mites

House dust mites are one of the most common indoor allergens, especially in warm and humid environments such as Malaysia.

They are commonly found in:

Mattresses, Pillows, Bedsheets, Carpets, Curtains


Dust mite allergies can cause sneezing, blocked nose, itchy eyes, and worsening eczema.

Common food allergens include:

Shellfish/Fish/Peanuts/Tree nuts/Eggs/Milk/Soy/Wheat

Food allergy symptoms can range from mild skin reactions to severe allergic reactions.

Many people are allergic to proteins found in:

Cat dander/Dog dander/Pet saliva/Pet urine

Pet allergies can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and asthma symptoms.

Mould grows in damp environments and may trigger allergies through airborne spores.

Common areas include:

Bathrooms/Air conditioning systems/ Damp walls/ Poorly ventilated rooms

Some people may develop allergic reactions to certain medications, including: Antibiotics/ Pain medications/ Other prescription drugs

Medication allergies should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.


Are Allergies Common in Malaysia?

Yes. Malaysia's warm and humid climate creates an environment where many common allergens can thrive.

Factors that may contribute to allergy symptoms among Malaysians include:

• High humidity encouraging dust mite and mould growth• Indoor air conditioning exposure• Urban pollution• Increased indoor lifestyle• Genetic predisposition

Common allergies seen in Malaysia include:

• Dust mite allergy• Allergic rhinitis• Food allergies• Skin allergies• Asthma-related allergies

Allergy vs Food Intolerance: What Is the Difference?

Many people confuse food allergy with food intolerance, but they are different conditions.

Food Allergy

• Involves the immune system

• Can happen with small amounts of food

• May cause severe reactions

• Can potentially cause anaphylaxis

Food Intolerance

• Usually involves digestion problems

• Often depends on the amount consumed

• Common symptoms include bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort

If you experience repeated reactions after eating certain foods, medical assessment can help determine the cause.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

Identifying the specific allergen is important because avoiding triggers can significantly improve symptoms.

Doctors may assess allergies through:

1. Medical History

Your doctor may ask about:


  • Symptoms experienced

  • Timing of symptoms

  • Possible triggers

  • Family history of allergies

  • Environmental exposure

2. Allergy Testing

This involves a Blood tests measuring allergen-specific IgE antibodies to allergens.

  • Allergy testing can help identify triggers and guide appropriate management.


Evergreen Medical Clinic allergy test poster with doctor pointing up on yellow background; RM699, RM588, RM888.

How Are Allergies Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the allergy.

1. Avoiding Triggers

The most effective approach is reducing exposure to known allergens. To find out what allergens you have, Allergy test is recommended!

Examples:

Washing bedding regularly for dust mite allergy

Reducing mould exposure

Avoiding confirmed food allergens

Managing pet exposure Our doctors will recommend according to your allergy results.

2. Medications

Our Doctors may recommend medications such as:

  • Antihistamines

  • Nasal sprays

  • Inhalers for asthma-related symptoms

  • Topical treatments for skin reactions

Treatment will be personalised based on symptoms and medical history.

3. Allergy Immunotherapy

For certain allergies, immunotherapy may be considered.

This treatment gradually exposes the immune system to controlled amounts of an allergen, helping reduce sensitivity over time.

It may be used for selected patients with conditions such as allergic rhinitis.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consider medical assessment if you experience:

  • Frequent allergy symptoms affecting daily activities

  • Persistent skin rashes or eczema flare-ups

  • Repeated reactions after eating certain foods

  • Chronic sneezing or blocked nose

  • Breathing difficulties or wheezing

  • Unknown allergy triggers

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

  • Severe dizziness or fainting

  • Rapid worsening symptoms after exposure to an allergen

These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Can Allergy Testing Help?

If you frequently experience allergy symptoms but do not know the cause, allergy testing can help identify potential triggers.

Understanding your allergens allows you to:

  • Avoid unnecessary triggers

  • Improve symptom control

  • Receive more targeted treatment

  • Better manage your long-term health

At Evergreen Medical Clinics, our doctors can help assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate allergy evaluation based on your condition.

Book a consultation today to understand your allergy triggers and take the first step towards better allergy management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can allergies develop later in life?

Yes. Although many allergies begin during childhood, adults can develop new allergies due to changes in immune response, environment, or exposure.

Having a family history of allergies can increase your likelihood of developing allergic conditions, although specific triggers may differ between family members.

Many allergies cannot be completely cured, but symptoms can often be effectively controlled through avoidance strategies, medications, and selected treatments.

When performed appropriately and interpreted together with medical history, allergy testing can be a useful tool in identifying potential triggers.

A total of 107 different type of common allergens is tested. A total of 60 different type of food allergens is tested.

Takes approximately 3-4 business days. Formal printed report within 7 business days. Our team will contact you for follow up appointment to explain in detail what does your test results mean.

No. You do not require to fast.

RM 699 - 107 types Allergen test

RM 588 - 60 types Food Intolerance test RM 888 - 107 types Allergen test + 60 types food intolerance test

Kindly Whatsapp/ Call our customer service contact. Schedule and appointment or Walk in to get the test done.

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Get in Touch With Us

Contact: +6018-9698786

  1. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States.

  2. World Allergy Organization (WAO). White Book on Allergy: Update and Global Perspective on Allergy Diseases.

  3. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Allergy Overview and Patient Education Resources.

  4. European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). Guidelines and Recommendations on Allergy Diagnosis and Management.

  5. Mayo Clinic. Allergy Symptoms and Causes.

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