What Really Causes Allergies?

Ever wondered why your nose won’t stop running or why you’re constantly sneezing during certain seasons?

Allergies are becoming increasingly common, but what exactly are they, and what triggers them?

We discuss all of this in our latest podcast episode with Dr. Gurmeet Bhalla, an allergist, in conversation with our co-founder Dhruv.

Watch the clip: What really causes allergies?

What is an Allergy?

A substance that triggers an allergic reaction is 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.

But why does this happen?

What Happens During an Allergic Reaction?

Your immune system is built to fight off harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria. But with allergies, it gets the signal wrong. It flags harmless allergens as dangerous.

The first time you’re exposed, there’s usually no reaction. This is called sensitization, your body is quietly preparing. But over time, it starts producing antibodies that react aggressively the next time you’re exposed.

Some allergies, like hay fever, are seasonal. Tree and grass pollen levels peak during spring, leading to more intense symptoms during those months.

How Allergies Show Up in Your Body

Allergic reactions trigger inflammation but where they show up depends on the allergen.

You might feel it in your nose, skin, gut, eyes, or airways.

Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing fits
• Runny or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Hives or itchy skin
• Asthma or breathing trouble

Knowing this changes the way we manage them:

• Antihistamines calm the chemical response
• Allergy testing helps you identify your specific triggers
• Immunotherapy gradually trains your immune system to be less sensitive

If you often feel congested, itchy, or uncomfortable after meals or in certain spaces, your immune system might be reacting to something it sees as a threat.

The Takeaway

While there’s no permanent cure, treatments and small lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, using air filters, or logging symptoms can make a big difference. We dive deeper into this in Episode 9 of The Orange Club Podcast: Are We All Becoming Allergic? Milk, Gluten, Sugar & The Real Triggers

Dr. Gurmeet Bhalla shares real-life examples and practical ways to manage allergies, from unexpected food triggers to why your immune system might be acting out.