Are allergies a sickness?

Question

I spent a whole day telling people I'm sick. All I get is, "You aren't sick. You have allergies." I guess I got a case of seasonal allergies when I get the stuffy nose, watery eyes, sore throat, and my nose was running 3 days straight. Most recently, I have this cough which I presume is from the mucus in my body that's built up from chest congestion...but that's beside the point. I would like the answer as to whether or not this is correct and how to explain that. Thanks.

Answer 1

Allergies are an immune response to a foreign antigen that results in inflammation and organ dysfunction. These range from life threatening conditions to lesser conditions like hay fever , nasal allergies and conjunctivitis.  These can be triggered by dust pollen, drugs, insects etc. Further occupational exposure to allergens can cause allergies. Examples are foods, rubber, fungal spores, metals and other agents.

Any condition that disrupts the normal physiology of the body and causes symptoms and signs are illnesses.

Therefore allergies are illnesses.

I am a medical doctor.

Answer 2

Yes, allergies are a sickness.