I'm allergic to pollen. Is my body right and everyone else's body is wrong?

Allergic reactions are, by definition, overreactions of the immune system to substances that are generally harmless to most people. These substances, called allergens, can include pollen, pet dander, certain foods, and insect stings. The immune system mistakenly identifies these allergens as harmful and mounts an excessive response.

However, it is possible for the immune system to react appropriately to genuinely harmful substances, but these reactions are not classified as allergies. For example:

• Infections: The immune system responds to pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi to protect the body from harm. This is a normal and necessary immune response, not an allergy.
• Toxins: The body can react to toxins (e.g., from certain plants, chemicals, or venom from snake bites) with inflammation and other immune responses aimed at neutralizing and removing the toxin. These reactions are appropriate defenses, not allergies.
• Autoimmune Diseases: The immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, thinking they are harmful. While this is a misdirected immune response, it is not classified as an allergy.

In summary, allergic reactions are specific to the immune system's overreaction to harmless substances, whereas responses to genuinely harmful agents are part of the body's normal defense mechanisms.