Allergy Information

An allergy happens, when a person is sensitized to a particular substance, that starts an allergic reaction. The substances are called allergens, or triggers, because they trigger an overreaction in the body’s immune system. There are naturally occurring allergens, like pollens, environmental substances, like chemicals, and the foods that we eat, mostly proteins, and numerous others.

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

Inhalation - as with pollen and dust mites.

Eating - as with certain foods.

Absorption - through the skin, as with some plants or chemicals.

Injection - some people are allergic to drugs, such as penicillin.

When an allergic individual experiences an allergen, for the first time, the allergic reactions do not occur, but the defense mechanism is sensitized. Think of it, as getting ready to fight allergens, that it mistakenly takes to be invaders, intent on doing harm to the body.

Having become hypersensitized to a specific substance, the next time the immune system experiences a similar allergen; it automatically over-produces antibodies to cope with the perceived threat. The antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate throughout the body, they interact with other cells. Then substances, including histamine, create inflammation, that is a common allergy symptom. Allergies vary in different people, and the symptoms range from something as mild as a runny nose, to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.

Testing and Diagnoses

When it is appropriate, skin testing is preferable to blood testing, as it is more specific, easier to do, and more economic. However, your physician will advise what is best suited to your disorder.

Treatments Available

Physicians, who are specialists in dealing with allergic disorders, undertake intensive training. In the United States at leastnine years is needed 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 wasp stings.

Immunotherapy

When immunotherapy is considered an appropriate treatment, it could either reduce the intensity of an allergy or cure it completely. It involves injecting progressively increased dosage, of the allergen, identified as causing the symptoms. There have been good results in dealing with hay fever and asthma.

Prescribed Drugs

Various drugs are available to counter the symptoms of allergy which include, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. Some preparations are obtainable over the counter, but it is always wise to seek advice from your doctor, what is recommeded for your own allergy.

Summary

It is not known exactly why some people suffer from allergies, when others do not. Studies suggest that there is a hereditary reason for some allergies.

It does seem clear that the incidence of allergies is growing, and that it may have something to do with contemporary living.

As an example, offices have become airtight, with windows that opened giving way to air conditioning. However, the quality of the outside air, particularly in urban conurbations, is questionable. On a global basis, rain forests are being cut down, whilst pollution emitting vehicles are everywhere. Add the development of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial soup.

Some of the Chinese immigrants develop hay fever, after moving to the United States, for three or more years. More recently, there has been a lot of publicity about industrial pollution in Beijing, and other cities. It seems that the time could soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, home grown sort of hay fever! Could the new found success be accompanied by allergic respiratory disorders – if it does, it must prove something!

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 practitioner. Always seek confirmation from your doctor, before deciding whether any 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 anywhere else, 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.