|
|
What is an Allergy?
Allergy is an unpleasant
physical reaction that is experienced when your body is exposed to a
a substance or substances to which you are hypersensitive. These
Substances, which are harmless to many people, are called allergens.
Allergens invade the body in different ways,
seeking various "target tissues." We inhale pollens and mold spores
in the air we breathe. We ingest foods and drink that trigger
allergic responses. Allergens can be absorbed through the skin by
touch. Some allergens enter the body through injection. Drugs, like
penicillin, and venom from some insects often cause allergic
reactions.
The body’s immune system automatically produces antibodies for
protection. If you are hypersensitive, your immune system is likely
to overreact, causing excess production of IgE antibodies. Excess
IgE antibodies seek out and attach themselves to the surface of
certain cells in blood and other tissues. There they remain "on
call," ready to be activated whenever the body encounters the
offending allergen. Once activated, IgE antibodies cause the release
of inflammatory compounds like histamine which, in turn, produce
allergy symptoms.
Target Area Symptoms
- Nose – Nasal
itching, congestion, sneezing, post-nasal drip, watery discharge
– commonly associated with "hay fever" or allergic rhinitis.
- Eyes – Itching,
redness, swelling, tearing and other conjunctivitis symptoms.
- Ears – Fluid in
middle ear, recurrent infections.
- Lungs – Asthmatic
symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the
chest, coughing.
- Skin (including
lips, inside of mouth/ears) – Itchy welts or "hives" (urticaria)
of varying sizes.
- Skin (contact
dermatitis) – Blistery rash, intense itching.
- Skin (eczema) –
Dry, itchy rash.
- Digestive tract –
Stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea (associated with food
allergy)
|
