All About Allergies
If you have an allergy, you're in good company. Allergies affect an
estimated 50 to 60 million Americans each year. Allergy triggers are as
diverse as they are common.
 What are allergies?
An allergic reaction happens when the immune system, which protects the
body from foreign and potentially harmful substances, is overly sensitive
to a common substance. Because any substance can be an allergen to
someone, the number of allergens is limitless. Some of the more common
allergens include pollen, mold, dust, pets, insect bites and certain kinds
of food and medications.
When an allergen
such as pollen enters the body of a person with a sensitized immune
system, it triggers antibody
production. Histamine and other chemicals are released by body tissues as
part of the immune response. This causes itching, swelling of
affected tissues, mucus production, muscle
spasms, and other symptoms.
How do people get allergies?
Heredity, environmental conditions, number and
type of exposures, emotional factors (stress
and emotional upset can increase the sensitivity of the immune system),
and many other factors can indicate a predisposition to allergies.
Sometimes
children have allergies at birth and through childhood, but may
"outgrow" them as they move into adulthood. People can also
develop allergies after prolonged exposure to certain allergens. For
example, florists can develop an allergy to flowering plants over time.
Many people live with allergies their entire lives.
Severe allergies
Severe allergies can result in anaphylactic shock and sometimes
death. Severe reactions are most common with insect bite, food and
medication allergies. If a person experiences a severe reaction, which
often includes difficulty breathing and disorientation, he or she should
seek immediate medical attention.
Other allergy articles | Back
|
