Allergy at a Glance

Have you ever found yourself itching after eating something? Or how about sneezing after being exposed to animals or dust? If you have experienced these things then you might consider going to a doctor to check if you are having allergic reactions.



So what are allergies and how does someone get them? Allergy, actually, is a reaction of our immune system to certain foreign substances that are usually harmless to most people. These foreign substances that induce allergic reactions are called allergens. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system erroneously recognizes it as a harmful substance so it produces IgE or immunoglobulin E antibodies to protect the body from it. We all have small amounts of IgE in our bodies but allergic people, however, produce it in large quantities. When overproduction of IgE antibodies happen, certain cells in the body become irritated and release various chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream. These chemicals then cause inflammation and typical allergic symptoms.

The substances that cause allergic reactions vary from person to person but the most common allergens are usually food, insect bites, airborne particles such as pollen and dust, medicines like antibiotics, and chemicals. Less common allergens, on the other hand, include latex, nuts and fruits.

The most typical symptoms that arise after being exposed to allergens are sneezing, itching, severe wheezing, sinus problems, coughing, hives, eczema, and asthma. The parts of the body that are usually hit by these symptoms are the eyes, nose, lungs, skin and stomach. Allergic reactions could be mild but there are also rare cases wherein it causes a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphylaxis include swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, and loss of consciousness. These reactions could happen minutes after exposure to allergens but there are also cases wherein it is delayed for as long as four hours. Anaphylaxis could be deadly if not treated right away.

There are medications and treatments that an allergic person could take such as pills or sprays, shot of epinephrine (used only to offset anaphylactic reactions and is only available by prescription), and immunotherapy or allergy shots. These medications can control the allergy symptoms but they cannot prevent allergies from occurring.

The chances of someone having allergies to a certain substance are often hereditary. So if your parents have a history of allergies, it is best to be aware of what substances they are allergic to for there is a chance that you might have inherited their allergies. It is best to be aware and prepared than be caught off-guard with allergic reactions.