allergen sensitization

Allergen sensitization occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance, like pollen or pet dander, as a threat. During this process, your immune system produces specific antibodies called IgE against the allergen. Upon subsequent exposures, these antibodies trigger a release of chemicals such as histamine, leading to allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, or swelling. Sensitization is essentially the process of becoming allergic, where your body develops this heightened sensitivity over time after initial exposures.