Getting to Know Allergies

Allergies are an overreaction of the body's immune system to things or substances that exist around a harmless environment. These can be pollen, mold, to dust called allergens or allergens. Allergic reactions occur when there is contact (inhaled, ingested or attached to the skin) between allergy sufferers and allergic triggers.

Here's the process of allergic reactions:

1. The body begins to produce specific antibodies called IgE to bind allergy triggers.
2. Antibodies attached to blood cells called mast cells. This mast cell can be in the respiratory tract, in the intestine, and in other places. The presence of these cells in the respiratory tract can make the area more susceptible to allergies.
3. Allergy triggers are bound to IgE, which is also bound to the mast cell. This makes the mast cells release various types of chemicals into the blood. One of the most dominant chemicals is histamine which can trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy symptoms

1. The eyes feel itchy and watery.
2. Sneeze.
3. Itchy and watery nose.
4. Rash.
5. Fatigue and pain.
6. The incidence of itching with a rash of red and swollen spots.

In allergic reactions to food, usually occurs abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Allergic reactions from insect stings such as bees or other types of insects can cause swelling, redness, and pain.

When allergic reactions appear, there are different reactions, ranging from mild symptoms that make the sufferer feel slightly unstable until the pain is paralyzing. However, the allergic reaction will stop by itself if contact with the trigger is also removed.

The most serious type of allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Allergy triggers in anaphylaxis can cause allergic reactions throughout the body that include:

1. Itching and rash all over the body, not only in areas exposed to allergic triggers.
2. Breathlessness and tightness.
3. The throat feels narrow, making breathing difficult and the voice becomes hoarse.
4. Numbness in hands, feet, lips, until the scalp.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis develop very quickly and potentially life-threatening. Immediately take it to the emergency department if symptoms resemble anaphylaxis. Not everyone has allergies even though everyone has a tendency to inherit allergic conditions in general.

High risk
Here are some things that make the risk of allergies getting higher:

1. Have a family who also suffering from allergies.
2. Age of children is more likely to have allergies than adults although many of the children will also stop having an allergic reaction as they age.
3. The presence of certain asthma or allergic conditions increases the risk of having other types of allergies.