This question sounds simple, but there’s no simple answer to it. Some people are allergic to things in the air, such as pollen, dust and animal hair. Other people are sensitive to certain foods, like milk, eggs, nuts and shellfish. Yet other people are allergic to the venom of stinging bugs, such as bees, wasps and hornets.
What is an allergy?
When you are allergic to something, your body mistakenly thinks that the thing you are sensitive to is going to cause you harm. This triggers your immune system – the network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to help combat diseases – to start fighting whatever you’re allergic to.
The symptoms that allergies cause could be anything from an itchy nose and sneezing to breathing problems or a skin rash. They are the signs that something is wrong in your body. In the case of serious reactions, people may get a swollen tongue or throat, which can be very dangerous.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 78 من The Week Junior Science+Nature UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 78 من The Week Junior Science+Nature UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Camera Obscura
Imagine stepping inside a dark room, where the only source of light comes through one small hole in the wall.
MANCHESTER SCIENCE FESTIVAL
From 18-27 October, shoppers at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester, England, will face a giant spider.
Should musicians stop touring?
Multiple concerts travelling around the world have a big impact on the environment.
Are ghosts real?
Plenty of people believe in ghosts, but it's hard to find proof.
SMASH STEREOTYPES
In an extract from his prize-winning book, scientist and writer Adam Rutherford shows you how to use the power of science to fight racism. This chapter, titled Myth-Busting, is all about sport.
Animal awareness
What would it feel like to be another animal?
Hamza Yassin
Go behind the camera with a wildlife filmmaker.
WILDLIFE WATCH
Ben Hoare goes on a safari from his sofa to discover how nature documentaries are made.
Big bum breakthrough
A team of researchers who found out that mammals can breathe through their bottoms have won a prize at the lg Nobel awards.
A jaw-dropping undersea snap
A photograph of a Bryde's whale feeding on a heart-shaped \"bait ball\" of sardines has won the Ocean Photographer of the Year contest.