In the field of nursing, understanding allergies and intolerances is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care. Allergies are immune system reactions to substances (allergens) that are typically harmless to most people. These reactions can range from mild to severe, including symptoms like hives, itching, swelling, and even anaphylaxis. Intolerances, on the other hand, do not involve the immune system and usually cause less serious symptoms, such as digestive issues, when a person cannot properly process a substance.
