An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances in the environment, known as allergens. These allergens can be pollen, dust, animal hair, foods or other substances.

The most common allergies in Norway include pollen allergy (hay fever), dust allergy, animal allergy, food allergy (e.g. to nuts, milk or eggs), and insect sting allergy.

Symptoms of allergies vary depending on the allergen and individual factors, but they can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, rash, itching or swelling.

Allergies can be diagnosed using allergy tests, such as skin tests or blood tests, which identify specific allergens that trigger a reaction.

Yes, allergies can be treated in various ways, including medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye drops, allergen immunotherapy (allergy vaccination), and by avoiding the allergen as much as possible.

Allergy involves an immune response to an allergen, while intolerance is usually due to the inability to digest certain foods or substances, and does not involve the immune system.

Yes, it is possible to develop allergies during life, although they often begin in childhood and may persist or change over time.

You can reduce the allergy symptoms by avoiding the allergen as much as possible, using allergy medicines as prescribed by a doctor, using allergy protection measures such as allergen proofing the home, and by following the advice of healthcare professionals.

Det er ingen kur for allergier, men symptomer kan kontrolleres effektivt med riktig behandling og forebyggende tiltak.

If you suspect you have an allergy, you should make an appointment with your GP for a thorough evaluation and any necessary tests to determine the allergen and develop a treatment plan.