What Really Causes Allergies?

Allergies are on the rise, but what’s actually going on inside your body when they strike?

In our latest podcast clip, Dr. Gurmeet Bhalla breaks it down in conversation with our co-founder, Dhruv Gupta.

Watch the clip: What really causes allergies or scroll down to read the article.

“There is an agent called an allergen, it could be something in the air, a type of food, or even an insect. When you come into contact with it, your body releases chemicals, and a fight begins inside your body.”

What’s Really Happening During an Allergic Reaction?

At the core of every allergic reaction lies a trigger, known as an allergen. These can include everyday substances like pollen, peanuts, or insect bites. For most people, these substances cause no harm. But for someone with allergies, the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies the allergen as a threat.

Instead of ignoring it, the immune system overreacts releasing chemicals like histamine, which sets off a chain reaction of symptoms we commonly associate with allergies:

• Sneezing fits
• Runny or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Skin reactions like hives
• Breathing issues or asthma

Why This Matters

Recognizing that allergies stem from immune system overreaction opens up smarter ways to treat and manage them:

• Antihistamines block the chemical response triggered by allergens
• Allergy testing helps identify the exact triggers specific to an individual
• In more severe cases, immunotherapy can gradually train the immune system to become less sensitive over time

It also highlights the importance of paying attention to your body. If you're frequently congested or develop rashes after eating certain foods or visiting particular environments, it may be your immune system signaling an allergic response.

Key Takeaways

Allergies happen when the body’s defense system goes overboard and attacks things it shouldn’t. By identifying your specific triggers and learning how to regulate your immune response, allergies can be managed effectively helping you live symptom-free.

Understanding how allergies work empowers you to respond better. Whether through treatment or lifestyle changes, the starting point is knowing that it's not the allergen itself, it’s how your immune system reacts to it.

We explore this in depth on The Orange Club Podcast. In the full episode, Dr. Gurmeet Bhalla, an Allergist breaks down everything from unexpected allergy triggers to practical ways to manage your immune response.

Watch here: Are We All Becoming Allergic? Milk, Gluten, Sugar & The Real Triggers