How and Why Allergies Occur?

Statistics show that one in every five people suffers from a certain type of allergy. These conditions can affect people of any age and cause a variety of symptoms ranging from runny nose to anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening. When the process and its trigger or triggers are well understood, effective treatment can be applied. Even though allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed with the right kind of therapy. Find out more about their nature and causes.
The Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction occurs when the sufferer is exposed to the respective allergen. The allergen is a substance which is perfectly harmless to most people. However, it is dangerous for the sufferer because his immune system reacts differently to it.
When the body of the sufferer gets into contact with the allergen either through inhalation, touch, ingestion or a sting or bite, the immune system treats the substance as a pathogen. Basically, it recognizes it as something which is dangerous for the body. As a result, it produces antibodies which work to destroy this potential threat.
The reaction of the immune system is characterized by the release of chemicals such as histamine. They cause inflammation and swelling of the organs and tissues which have got into contact with the allergen. The most commonly affected parts of the body include the skin, the lining of the nose, the sinuses, the airways, the eyes and the digestive tract. The symptoms range from congested and runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, cough and rash to swelling of the face, the eyelids and the throat. If the symptoms are severe, medical care must be sought right away.
The Main Causes
There are various types of allergies depending on the allergens which cause them. The airborne allergies are among the most common. They are caused by tiny particles or microorganisms carried in the air and found on various surfaces such as pollen, dust mites and mold. The pet allergies also fall into this category as they are triggered by the dander of the animals.
The insect allergies are among the most serious. They are caused by the chemical compounds which are transferred from the insect to the skin through a sting or bite. While most bites can cause only minor skin redness and irritation, a was or bee sting may trigger face and throat swelling and lead to suffocation.
The food allergies are becoming more and more common. They can be caused by a wide variety of foods from peanuts to shrimp. Some medications such as penicillin can also trigger allergic reactions. In rare cases, chemicals, which are found in products for skin and hair treatment, and some materials like latex can also cause allergies.
It is still not know why some people have allergic reaction to substances which are generally safe for everyone else. This is the main reason why there is still no cure for allergies. However, this does not mean that sufferers cannot take measures to deal with the problem. The most effective method for prevention is for the respective allergen to be avoided.

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