Information About Allergies

An allergy occurs, when an individual is sensitized to a known substance, that provokes an allergic reaction. These substances are known as allergens, or triggers, because they cause an overreaction by the body’s immune system. There are naturally occurring allergens, like pollens, environmental substances, like chemicals, and the foods that we eat, mostly proteins, amongst many others.

There are four main ways through which allergens can get into the body:

Inhalation - as with pollen and dust mites.
Eating - as with some foods.
Absorption - via the skin, as with some chemicals and plants.
Injection - some people are allergic to drugs, such as penicillin.

If an allergic person experiences allergens, for the first time, the allergic reactions do not occur, but the immune system is sensitized. Think of it, as becoming ready to resist allergens, that it mistakenly takes to be invaders, intent on doing harm to the body.

Having become hypersensitized to a particular substance, when the immune system experiences the same type of allergen; it automatically mass-produces antibodies to deal with the perceived threat. These antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they move throughout the body, they react with other cells. Then substances, including histamine, cause inflammation, that is a frequent allergy symptom. Allergies vary from person to person, and the symptoms range from something as mild as a drippy nose, to anaphylaxis, which is sometimes fatal.

Testing and Diagnoses

When it is suitable, skin testing is preferable to blood testing, because it is more specific, easier to do, and more economic. Nevertheless, your doctor will know what is best suited to your disorder.

Treatment

Physicians, who are experts in dealing with allergic diseases, undertake intensive training. In the USA a minimum of nine years is needed to qualify as an allergist immunologist. It is reassuring to know that real improvements in medical treatments have been developed by allergists. They include fast acting epinephrine tablets, low allergy foods, and advances in dealing with wasp stings.

Immunotherapy

If immunotherapy is thought to be an appropriate treatment, it may either limit the severity of an allergy or cure it completely. It requires injecting progressively increased doses, of the allergen, identified as causing the symptoms. There have been good results in dealing with rhinitis and asthma.

Medicinal Drugs

Various drugs are used to deal with the symptoms of allergy including, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. A few preparations are obtainable over the counter, but it is always wise to seek advice from your doctor, what is suitable for your own allergy.

Summary

It is not known precisely why some people get allergies, whilst others do not. Studies suggest that there is a hereditary reason for some allergies.

It seems sure that the incidence of allergies is on the increase, and that it may have something to do with modern living.

For instance, work places have become airtight, with windows that opened being replaced by air conditioning. However, the quality of the outside air, particularly in built up areas, is questionable. On a global basis, rain forests are being cut down, whilst gas guzzling vehicles are everywhere. Add the development of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial contamination.

It has been suggested that many Chinese settlers develop hay fever, after moving to the USA, for a few years. Quite recently, there has been much publicity concerning industrial contamination in Beijing, and other places. Probably the time could soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, home grown sort of rhinitis! Will the sweet smell of success be accompanied by allergic respiratory disorders – if it does, did the end justify the means?

Disclaimer

This article is only for advice, and should not be used as a substitute for the medical guidance of your doctor, or other medically qualified adviser. Always seek confirmation from your doctor, before deciding if a particular product or treatment, is appropriate for your condition.

You should know that what suits one allergy sufferer might be inappropriate for another. Do not act on any advice you have read, either in this article or elsewhere, without the full approval of your doctor. The author does not 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 gluten allergy, and many other specific allergies.