Allergies are an abnormal immune response. Symptomatic manifestations depend on the tissues involved in the reaction. When the tissues of the sinuses and nasal passages are affected, hayfever and allergic sinusitis or allergic rhinitis are the result. When the skin is affected, eczema may be the consequence. When joins are affected, arthritis may appear. When the target tissue is the intestinal tract, food allergic reactions will manifest.

The general strategy for addressing allergies is to 1.) identify and eliminate the offensive substance (allergen), 2.) strengthen the immune system with immunopotentiating nutritional supplements, 3.) use natural medicines to reduce the symptoms.

Removing the allergen is almost impossible in airborne allergies. Air filters for indoors areas (bedroom, etc.) can be effective.

Food allergies may cause "allergic arthritis," eczema and other skin rashes, gas, bloating, and cramps. Reactions to foods are often delayed, sometimes for several days, so it is impossible to associate a specific food with the reaction to that food. Food allergy testing can be done to identify offending foods, which are then removed from the diet. Food allergic reactions may also enhance other types of allergic reactions, e.g., sinus allergies or allergic arthritis.