allèrgica

Allèrgica is the feminine form of the Italian adjective allergico, used to describe a person or condition related to an allergy. In medical use, an allergic reaction is an overactive immune response to substances that are typically harmless, called allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, certain foods, insect venoms, and medicines.

The term allergy derives from Greek allos, meaning other, and ergon, meaning work, and was coined in the early 20th century by Clemens von Pirquet. In Italian, the related noun allergia denotes the disease or hypersensitivity, while allergico and allergica describe the affected state.

Most allergic reactions are IgE-mediated, involving sensitization to an allergen and rapid release of histamine from mast cells. Atopy refers to a genetic tendency to develop allergies. Common conditions described as allergic include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies; severe reactions can lead to anaphylaxis.

Diagnosis relies on clinical history, skin tests (prick or patch tests), and measurement of specific IgE antibodies; oral food challenges may be used for foods. Management emphasizes avoidance of known allergens when possible, symptom-relieving medications (antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids for asthma), and, for severe cases, epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylaxis. Allergen immunotherapy (subcutaneous or sublingual) may modify the disease course.

Prognosis varies with the type and severity of the allergy. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure, early identification, and appropriate management to minimize reactions and improve quality of life.