Allergy Information
An allergy occurs, when a person becomes sensitized to a particular substance, that provokes an allergic reaction. These substances are known as allergens, or triggers, because they trigger an overreaction by the body’s immune system. There are naturally occurring allergens, such as pollens, environmental substances, such as chemicals, and the foods that we eat, usually proteins, amongst many others.
There are four distinct ways in which allergens can enter the body:
Eating - as with certain foods.
Inhalation - as with dust mites and pollen.
Absorption - through the skin, as with some chemicals and plants.
Injection - some people are allergic to drugs, such as penicillin.
When an allergic person encounters an allergen, for the first time, the symptoms do not occur, but the immune system becomes sensitized. Think of it, as becoming ready to resist allergens, that it mistakenly considers to be invaders, intent on doing harm to the body.
Having become hypersensitized to a particular substance, the next time the immune system encounters a similar allergen; it automatically mass-produces antibodies to deal with the perceived threat. The antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate throughout the body, they react with other cells. Then substances, including histamine, cause inflammation, which is a common allergy symptom. Allergies vary from person to person, and the symptoms range from something as mild as a runny nose, to anaphylaxis, which is sometimes fatal.
Diagnoses and Testing
When it is appropriate, skin testing is preferable to blood testing, because it is more specific, easier to do, and costs less. However, your doctor will know what is best suited to your condition.
Treatment
Physicians, who are specialists in dealing with allergic diseases, undergo extensive training. In the United States a minimum of nine years is required to qualify as an allergist immunologist. It is reassuring to know that very significant improvements in medical treatments have been developed by allergists. They include fast acting epinephrine tablets, low allergy foods, and advances in dealing with yellow jacket (wasp) stings.
Immunotherapy
When immunotherapy is considered an appropriate treatment, it may either reduce the severity of an allergy or cure it completely. It involves injecting progressively increased doses, of the allergen, identified as causing the symptoms. There have been encouraging results in dealing with rhinitis and asthma.
Medicinal Drugs
Various drugs are used to counter the symptoms of allergy including, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. Some preparations are available over the counter, but it is always wise to find out from your doctor, what is suitable for your own allergy.
Summary
It is not known precisely why some people suffer from allergies, whilst others do not. Studies suggest that there is a hereditary factor with some allergies.
What does seem sure is that the incidence of allergies is on the increase, and that it seems to have something to do with contemporary living.
For instance, offices have become air tight, with windows that opened giving way to air conditioning. That being said the quality of the outside air, particularly in conurbations, is questionable. On a global basis, rain forests are being cut down, whilst motor vehicles are increasing. Add the development of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial soup.
It has been suggested that many Chinese develop hay fever, after moving to the United States, for three or more years. More recently, there has been much publicity about industrial pollution in Beijing, and other cities. It seems that the time may soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, home grown variety of rhinitis! Will the sweet smell of success be accompanied by allergic respiratory disorders – if it does it must prove something!
Important
The content of this article is for general information only, and should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor, or other medically qualified adviser. Always seek advice from your doctor, before deciding whether a particular product or treatment, is suitable for your condition.
Please be aware that what suits one allergy sufferer might be inappropriate for another. You should not act on any advice you have read, either in this article or anywhere else, without the full approval of your doctor.
The author cannot accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article.
Richard Wise writes articles on natural health, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, antioxidants, allergies and vegetarianism. If you require to know about allergies please visit his web site http://www.allergy-check.com which includes information concerning food allergy, and many other specific allergies.
Tags: allergies, allergy, products, symptoms
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