The Orange Club Podcast: Episode 9

Allergies have become increasingly common, but what actually triggers them inside the body? In a recent podcast clip, an expert broke down the science in simple terms.

“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.”

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 by releasing chemicals like histamine, which sets off a chain reaction of symptoms: sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, nasal congestion, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing.

What’s Really Happening During an Allergic Reaction?

The expert explains that allergies are not caused by the allergen itself, they’re caused by the way the immune system reacts to it. In allergic individuals, the immune system is overly sensitive. Even a harmless substance can trigger a strong, unnecessary response. It’s as if the body is picking a fight that doesn't need to happen.

This internal battle is what produces the symptoms we commonly associate with allergies:

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

Understanding this mechanism helps us view allergies not as random or external issues, but as an internal imbalance where the immune system is overreacting to perceived threats.

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.

The full podcast unpacks this in even more detail, from surprising triggers to ways to calm your immune response - Watch Here