Allergies on the Rise

Around one third of the population in Germany develops an allergy at some point in life – among children and adolescents, 20–25% already suffer from hay fever, asthma, or atopic dermatitis.

Pollen allergies are considered the most common trigger, but food allergies are also steadily increasing. For three decades, the number of affected individuals has risen dramatically. But why does our body suddenly react to harmless flower pollen, nuts, or house dust? In this article, we explore the underlying causes and explain how pollen allergies and food allergies differ—and which long-term strategies can help.

Atopy: The Genetic Basis of Allergies

Around 10% of the population has atopy—an inherited predisposition to produce increased levels of IgE antibodies and to develop allergic conditions such as hay fever, food allergies, or atopic dermatitis. The prevalence of atopic reactions has been steadily increasing in industrialized countries, a trend experts partly attribute to modern lifestyles.

The Hygiene Hypothesis: Why Allergies Are Increasing

According to the hygiene hypothesis, an overly clean environment in early childhood may promote the development of allergies. Limited exposure to microbes prevents the immune system from learning to distinguish between harmless and harmful substances. Excessive hygiene may therefore increase the risk of allergic diseases by reducing contact with protective microorganisms and failing to adequately challenge the immune system—especially during early life, when immune development is most critical.

Types of Allergens: A Comparison of Triggers

There are many different triggers (allergens) to which the body may react with hypersensitivity.

Inhalant allergens: pollen, mold spores, animal dander

Ingested allergens: nuts, milk proteins, wheat

Contact allergens: nickel, latex, fragrances

Injected allergens: insect venom, medications

Types of Allergies: Overview of the Most Important Allergy Types and Emergency Measures

Allergies can manifest in many different ways—from rapid symptoms such as hay fever and pollen allergies to delayed reactions that may only appear days later. Below, you will find essential information about the different types of allergies, their typical triggers and symptoms, as well as important emergency measures for severe allergic reactions. This knowledge helps you recognize allergies early and respond appropriately.

Anaphylactic Shock – A Medical Emergency in Severe Allergies

Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous form of an allergic reaction and constitutes an acute, life-threatening emergency. It can develop after exposure to certain allergens, including medications (e.g., penicillin), foods (such as peanuts, hen’s egg, celery, seafood), insect venoms (bee, wasp, hornet), or latex.

• Shortness of breath due to bronchospasm or laryngeal edema
• Circulatory collapse, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness
• Skin reactions such as redness, itching, and swelling

• Call emergency services (112)
• Elevate the legs to stabilize circulation
• If available, use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., in individuals with known severe allergies)
• Oxygen, antihistamines, and corticosteroids should only be administered by emergency medical services

Type I Allergy: Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction

Type I allergy is the most common form and usually occurs within minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes after contact with the allergen. Specialized immune cells (B lymphocytes) produce antibodies (IgE) that bind to the allergen, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.

• Pollen (e.g., in hay fever)
• Animal dander
• Insect venoms

• Sneezing, coughing, itching
• Skin rashes, wheals, redness
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty swallowing
• In severe cases: anaphylactic shock with circulatory collapse and loss of consciousness

During the first exposure, the body produces antibodies against the allergen. Upon re-exposure, these antibodies react and trigger the typical allergic symptoms.

If there are signs of an allergic shock, call emergency services immediately. Patients with known severe allergies usually carry an emergency kit containing an adrenaline auto-injector, which should be administered as quickly as possible in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.

Further Types of Allergies at a Glance

Type II Allergy (Cytotoxic Type)

This type usually occurs within 6–12 hours after contact with the allergen. Antibodies bind to foreign structures on cells, leading to cell destruction. A typical example is an allergic reaction following blood transfusions.

Type III Allergy (Immune Complex Type)

Symptoms also develop within 6–12 hours. In this case, antibodies form immune complexes with allergens that can deposit in tissues and trigger inflammatory reactions, for example in certain vascular diseases.

Type IV Allergy (Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity)

This delayed reaction occurs after at least 12 hours, often only after 1–3 days. It is mediated by T lymphocytes that specifically target certain allergens. Typical examples include nickel allergy or drug-related reactions.

Cross-Reactions and Intolerances

In cross-allergies, IgE antibodies react to similar structural components found in different substances. Pollen allergy sufferers are particularly affected and may also react to certain foods such as apples, nuts, or celery. This pollen-associated food allergy arises from the structural similarity of proteins in pollen and foods.

Not all hypersensitivity reactions are allergic in an immunological sense. Pseudoallergies such as lactose, fructose, or gluten intolerance can cause similar symptoms without involvement of the immune system.

Symptoms of Allergies

Allergies can manifest through a wide range of symptoms, the type and intensity of which vary depending on the allergy type, trigger, and affected area of the body. Allergic symptoms may occur immediately after contact with the allergen or develop with a delay over hours to days. While seasonal allergies such as hay fever usually cause symptoms only during the pollen season, food allergies may occur throughout the year.

• Skin: itching, eczema, hives (urticaria), wheals, redness, and swelling
• Eyes: conjunctivitis, tearing, itching, redness
• Nose: sneezing, runny or blocked nose (rhinorrhea)
• Airways and lungs: coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchial asthma
• Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
• Cardiovascular system: dizziness, drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

In Type I allergies (e.g., pollen allergy), the tissue hormone histamine is released and plays a central role in the development of symptoms. Histamine causes dilation of blood vessels (redness, drop in blood pressure), increased vascular permeability (wheals, edema), and contraction of smooth muscle (bronchospasm, shortness of breath). Mast cells—found primarily in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, bronchi, gastrointestinal tract, and in the skin—release histamine upon contact with the allergen. This is why allergic symptoms most commonly occur in these areas.

Diagnosis of Allergies

The diagnosis of an allergy is carried out in several steps and is essential for identifying and managing specific triggers. The process begins with a detailed medical history, during which the physician asks about symptoms, their timing, and possible triggers. Keeping a symptom diary can help identify associations between allergic symptoms and specific triggers such as pollen, foods, or contact substances.

Skin Prick Test: Various allergens are applied to the skin of the forearm in drop form, and the skin is lightly pricked. If redness or wheal formation occurs within 15–20 minutes, this indicates sensitization to the tested allergen. The skin prick test is particularly suitable for diagnosing immediate-type allergies such as hay fever or pollen allergy.

Patch Test (Epicutaneous Test): This test is used to detect delayed-type allergies, for example in contact allergies. Allergens are applied to adhesive patches and placed on the back for 24–48 hours. After 1–2 days, the skin is examined for redness, swelling, or itching.

Blood Tests: In the laboratory, specific IgE antibodies against certain allergens are measured. Elevated IgE levels indicate sensitization, which must be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms. In addition, increased eosinophil counts in the blood may point to an allergic reaction.

Provocation Test: If other tests do not yield clear results, controlled exposure to the suspected allergen may be performed under medical supervision—for example through inhalation or ingestion. The occurrence of typical symptoms confirms the diagnosis.

Only the combination of medical history, allergy testing, and clinical symptoms allows for a reliable diagnosis and targeted treatment of allergies such as food allergy, pollen allergy, or allergic cough. Early allergy testing is therefore crucial to relieve symptoms and prevent severe allergic reactions.

Treatment of Allergies

Conventional Medical Treatment of Allergies

Conventional medical treatment of allergies comprises three main approaches:

Allergen avoidance: Known triggers such as pollen, animal dander, or certain foods should be avoided whenever possible.

Medication: Antihistamines and corticosteroids (e.g., in the form of tablets, nasal sprays, or creams) help relieve acute allergy symptoms such as itching, coughing, sneezing, or skin rashes.

Hyposensitization (specific immunotherapy): Over a period of several years, the allergen is administered in gradually increasing doses to help the immune system develop long-term tolerance. This approach is particularly effective for pollen allergy, house dust mite allergy, and insect venom allergy.

Natural Treatment Options for Allergies

Home Remedies for Allergies

Home remedies can be used as supportive measures to improve well-being in people with allergies:

Nasal irrigation with saline solution: May help flush pollen and allergens from the nasal passages and moisturize the mucous membranes.

Steam inhalation: Used to help clear the airways.

Pollen filters: Can help keep pollen out of indoor living spaces.

Nutrition: A balanced, vitamin-rich diet supports a healthy immune system.

Relaxation and stress reduction: Stress management and relaxation techniques are recommended, as psychological stress can influence allergic symptoms.

Herbal Remedies

Various plants have traditionally been used in the context of allergies:

Medicinal mushrooms: Reishi, Hericium, and Cordyceps may be used as supportive remedies for respiratory and food allergies. Depending on the severity of the allergy, combining different medicinal mushrooms may be recommended.

Houttuynia: Used for its anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting, and decongestant properties.

Licorice root: Traditionally used in the management of allergies. Caution: people with cardiovascular conditions should consult a physician, pharmacist, or therapist before using licorice, as it may affect blood pressure.

Conclusion: Recognizing Allergies, Understanding Them, and Taking Targeted Action

Allergies have become a widespread health condition and affect people of all ages. They manifest through a wide range of symptoms such as itching, sneezing, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal complaints and can significantly impair quality of life. Early diagnosis—such as through allergy testing—is crucial to identify triggers and avoid them in a targeted manner.

There are numerous ways to support the body in coping with allergies. Of particular interest are medicinal mushrooms (Hericium, Reishi, Cordyceps), as well as well-known plants such as nettle or dandelion, black seed oil, and turmeric, which may help ease daily allergy-related discomfort by promoting overall well-being and supporting immune balance in a natural way. A healthy lifestyle, effective stress management, and strengthening the immune system also play an important role in allergy prevention and management.

Despite these challenges, allergies should not prevent us from enjoying life and nature to the fullest—together and with mindful attention to our health.