Allergies and adverse reactions or intolerances are often interchanged wrongly. An allergy involves the body’s immune system reacting to an allergen which is normally not a harmful substance. The immune response produces antibodies which results in a body reaction. An intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system but is an extreme sensitivity to a substances including drugs and food. Intolerance reactions are often delayed whereas allergies are instantaneous. Food intolerances such as lactose intolerance are caused by a lack of digestive enzyme. The term sensitivity can be used to describe both allergy and intolerance.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by About Allergies
About: Allergies not the same as intolerances
Date: 17 November 2004
Source: About Allergies
Author: Judy Tidwell
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