What is an Allergy?
Allergy occurs when a person's immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless for most people. These substances are known as allergens and are found in house dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, moulds, foods and some medicines.
ATOPY IS THE GENETIC (INHERITED) TENDENCY TO DEVELOP ALLERGIC DISEASES.
People with atopy are said to be atopic. When atopic people are exposed to allergens they can develop an immune reaction that leads to allergic inflammation (redness and swelling).