Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈælərdʒi/

Definitions

• A condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dust, or food.
• An exaggerated response of the immune system to substances that are usually harmless to most people, often resulting in symptoms like sneezing, itching, and swelling.

Usage Examples

• "She developed an allergy to peanuts at an early age, which made dining out difficult."
• "He had to take medication every day to manage his seasonal allergy symptoms during spring."
• "The doctor diagnosed him with a mild allergy to pollen, which caused sneezing and itchy eyes."

Etymology

The word "allergy" comes from the Greek word "allos," meaning "other" or "strange," and "ergon," meaning "work" or "reaction," referring to the abnormal or exaggerated reaction of the immune system to certain substances. It was coined by Clemens von Pirquet, an Austrian immunologist, in the early 20th century to describe this phenomenon.

Synonyms

• Hypersensitivity
• Intolerance
• Sensitization

Antonyms

• Immunity
• Resistance
• Tolerance

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Allergy pronunciation may vary depending on regional accents. In North American English, the stress is placed on the first syllable (AL-er-gee), while in British English, it is often pronounced with a softer emphasis on the first syllable (al-ER-gee). In non-English languages, the word typically follows the phonetic rules of the language, with minor variations in stress and intonation.

Historical Usage

The term "allergy" was first coined in 1906 by Austrian immunologist Clemens von Pirquet to describe abnormal immune responses to substances that are usually harmless. The field of allergy medicine has expanded greatly since then, with allergies now being a common and widely recognized health condition. Over time, the understanding and treatment of allergies have evolved with advancements in immunology, leading to improved diagnostics and therapies.

Cultural Nuances

Allergies are recognized as a major health concern in many Western countries, with increasing awareness of conditions such as food allergies, pollen allergies, and asthma. In some cultures, however, allergies may be less understood, and individuals may rely more on traditional remedies. In some parts of the world, allergies are often associated with higher socioeconomic status, as they are more common in wealthier, industrialized countries.

More Information

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system in which the body reacts to foreign substances (allergens) in a way that is excessive or harmful. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, certain foods (such as nuts, shellfish, and dairy), and insect stings. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as sneezing and itching to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Treatment for allergies typically involves avoiding allergens, using medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids, and, in some cases, undergoing immunotherapy (allergy shots) to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. The global prevalence of allergies has been rising in recent years, making allergy management an important field of medical research and healthcare.