HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Small amounts of an allergen can trigger physical symptoms in people who are highly allergic.  Even when the symptoms are not life-threatening, the associated reactions of hives, dermatitis flares, and excess mucus production can be unpleasant.  In general, the worst allergic reactions are not triggered by mere traces of an allergen, but rather by significant quantities of it. The amount of allergen that can cause a person to react at any given time, however, can depend on factors other than the actual allergen itself.  A person whose immune system is compromised by illness or by allergy symptoms that are not well-controlled can have more severe allergy reactions as a result of exposure to smaller amounts of the allergen.

P.S.  Allergic reactions caused by sensitivity to a known allergen can be minimized by following the allergist’s treatment plan and avoiding contact with the allergen.

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