When we hear the term allergy, most people think of such symptoms as a runny nose, red and watering eyes, swelling of some tissues somewhere, rashes, hives, or some other form of itching.  With no distinction made, the term allergy is also used to refer to more serious reactions to substances.  More serious reactions include headaches, heart palpitations, and, eventually, anaphylactic shock.  Among those who work with allergies, these two sets of symptoms are considered to be very separate categories with two separate names.  This is true both in the medical world and among “alternative” practitioners, as well.  The names most commonly used to distinguish the two categories are allergy and intolerance.  Intolerances are sometimes referred to as sensitivities.  More information can be found in the blog.