What Are Allergies?

Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you are allergic to something, the immune system mistakenly believes that the substance is harmful to the body. (Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, pollen from plants or drugs, are called allergens.) In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies to that allergen. These antibodies then cause some cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine (pronounced her - tuh-meen). The histamine then acts on a person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin or digestive tract and causes symptoms of allergic reaction. Future exposure to the same allergen triggers this antibody response. This means that whenever you come into contact with this allergen, you have an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be mild, such as a runny nose, or they may be serious, such as difficulty breathing. An attack of asthma, for example, is often an allergic reaction to something that is breathed into the lungs of a person who is vulnerable. Certain types of produce multiple allergic symptoms, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction can be very serious, this severe reaction is called anaphylaxis (pronounced: ah-nuh - fuh-lak sis). Some signs of anaphylaxis are difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the lips, and throat and other body parts, and dizziness or loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis usually occurs minutes after the onset of exposure to a product, such as a peanut, but some reactions can be delayed as long as 4 hours. Fortunately, anaphylactic reactions do not occur often, and they can be treated successfully if medical procedures are followed. Why do people get allergies? The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary, which means it can be transmitted through your genes. (Thank you, Mom and Dad!) However, just because a parent or sibling could have allergies, it does not mean that you are going to do too. A person usually does not inherit an allergy, the risk of having allergies. What are the things that people are allergic to? Some of the most common allergens are: Food. Food allergies are more common in infants and often disappear as the child gets older. Although some food allergies can be severe, many simply boring cause symptoms like itchy rash, a stuffy nose, and diarrhea. Most experts agree that food allergies that people are most often allergic to milk and other dairy products, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and nuts, seafood and the. Bites and insect stings. The venom (poison) in bites and insect stings cause allergic reactions in many people. These allergies can be severe and can cause an anaphylactic reaction in some people. Suspended particulate matter. These are often called allergens from the environment, and they are the most common allergens. Some examples of suspended particles in the air that can cause allergies in people are mites (tiny bugs that live in house dust); Mold spores; Phanères animals (flakes scaly skin, and dried saliva your pets); And pollen from grass, the ragweed and trees. Drugs. Antibiotics-drugs used to treat infections are the most common types of medications that cause allergic reactions. Many other drugs, including over-the-counter medications (those that can be purchased without a prescription), can also cause allergic reactions. Chemicals. Some cosmetics or detergents can cause people to exit an itchy rash (hives). Generally, this is because the person has a reaction to the chemicals in these products. Dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides used on lawns or plants can also cause allergic reactions in some people