An allergen is a substance that can cause an
allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system thinks allergens are foreign or dangerous. This is what leads to allergy symptoms.
References
Wasserman SI. Approach to the patient with allergic or immunologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.
Cecil Medicine
. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 257.
Update Date: 1/13/2013
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
Copyright 1997-2013, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
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