Allergies are among the most common conditions worldwide which affects both adults and children, what one may consider an allergy could be harmless to other individuals. Knowing what you are allergic to and avoiding it, can help to prevent some life-threatening issues that result from an allergic reaction.
An allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance in the environment.
Inappropriate immune responses to things that do not merit a response is one way to explain what allergies are. These substances the immune system reacts to are known as allergens and they include pollen, dust, food, drugs insect sting, jewelry, latex, chemicals, pets.
Allergies triggers symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or on the skin. Allergies in severe or serious cases can result into a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
Since the immune system protects against any invading organism that can cause illness, the immune system recognises a harmless substance as an invader and overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E(IgE) antibodies, these antibodies travel to cells that release histamine causing an allergic reaction.
It is possible to develop an allergy to something without being exposed to it. If two allergens contain an identical or even similar epitope, exposure to one can mean that you will have a reaction to the other. If allergen 1 contains epitopes AB and allergen 2 contains epitopes AC, you will be allergic to both if exposed to either because they both contain epitope A.
People who are likely to develop allergies have a condition known as 'atopy'. Atopy refers to the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopy is typically associated with heightened immune responses to common allergens, especially inhaled allergens and food allergens.
An allergy is a condition of unusual sensitivity of a person to one or more substances, which may be harmless to the majority of other individuals. In the allergic person, the allergic substance (known as an allergen) is viewed by the brain as a threat to the body’s well-being. When contact is made with an allergen, it causes blockages in the energy pathways called meridians, disrupting the normal flow of energy through the body’s electrical circuits. This energy blockage causes interference in communication between the brain and body via the nervous system, which begins a chain of events that can develop into an allergic response.
The treatment for an allergy depends on what you're allergic to. In many cases, your doctor will be able to offer advice and treatment.
They'll advise you about taking steps to avoid exposure to the substance you're allergic to, and can recommend medication to control your symptoms.
The best way to keep your symptoms under control is often to avoid the things you're allergic to. Medications for mild allergies are available in the pharmacies but always ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before starting any new medicine, as they're not suitable for everyone.
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