What is the cause of Allergy? Allergic reactions are a chain reaction that can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis. Allergy is a complex system that affects everyone differently. The reaction itself is caused by an over-reactive immune system. This system mistakenly attacks an unfriendly substance, resulting in an allergic reaction. The immune system can be inherited, but it is also triggered by environmental factors and genetics.
Allergic Reactions Are a Result of a Chain Reaction
Inhaled allergens cause inflammation, resulting in shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. In later phases of allergic asthma, the inflammation may worsen due to an influx of inflammatory cells. The chain reaction of allergic reactions leads to chronic and severe symptoms, such as a rash or eczema. Fortunately, these allergic reactions are preventable.
Allergies are caused by problems with the immune system. Most allergic reactions are the result of the immune system sending out a false alarm, causing the body to react violently. This is normal, and is what protects us from harmful substances. But sometimes, the immune system responds inappropriately, attacking harmless substances. To prevent these situations, allergy sufferers should avoid substances that might cause allergies.
The most common route of allergy enters the body through inhalation. Many people have mild allergies to inhaled allergens, resulting in sneezing and runny nose. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by the activation of mucosal mast cells. A severe allergic reaction results in eosinophilic nasal discharge, a swollen nose, and itchiness. Inflammatory rhinitis is also accompanied by the occurrence of allergic conjunctivitis.
They Can Range From Minor Irritation to Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, and even death. This condition should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Most cases of anaphylaxis occur after a person is exposed to an allergen, such as a food or medication. Some people can experience symptoms from virtually any food or substance.
Although allergic reactions may be mild or moderate, anaphylaxis requires emergency medical attention. In severe cases, the body can go into shock, causing a wide range of symptoms, including swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. A person may also develop shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. This condition should be treated by a healthcare provider immediately, and epinephrine auto-injectors should be carried around with you at all times.
While the prevalence of food-induced anaphylaxis varies greatly between countries, it is common for one in ten people to suffer from anaphylactic reactions. In the United States, allergies are responsible for about two thousand hospitalizations every year. In the United Kingdom, food allergies cause approximately 150 deaths and one-third of all severe anaphylactic episodes. In non-Western countries, food allergies are much less common.
Although some allergens are mild, a high level of exposure can cause a severe allergic reaction. For this reason, preventing or limiting exposure to food or other allergens is crucial. Similarly, avoiding or minimizing contact with insect stings is important. Allergy/immunology specialists play a key role in diagnosing anaphylaxis and educate patients on allergen avoidance.
They Can Be Caused by a Harmless Substance
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that should be harmless, which causes a variety of symptoms, from mild to severe. They can be triggered by a variety of substances, including dust mites, food additives, and medications. Some people are more susceptible to the development of an allergic reaction than others, including those with asthma, a history of allergies, or previous attacks.
When an allergen enters the body, it triggers the body’s immune system to produce antibodies and cells that will attack the allergen. These antibodies are known as IgE antibodies, and they trigger a cascade of events that result in an allergic reaction. In addition to producing antibodies, the immune system also produces a chemical called histamine, which is released by mast cells. This chemical causes itching and redness, and can cause blood vessels to swell.
When an individual is allergic, their immune system will start to overreact to something that is normally harmless. For example, if a person is allergic to bee stings, the allergic reaction may manifest as pain, redness, hives, or trouble breathing. An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance, which causes symptoms like itching, rash, and breathing problems.
Many people have allergies to certain foods and substances. Some people are allergic to household cleaners and laundry detergents. People can also be allergic to pesticides. In general, the tendency to develop allergies is hereditary, but it does not guarantee that your child will suffer from an allergy. In fact, some children develop allergies with no relatives at all. And the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to prevent the allergen.
They Have a Genetic Component
The chances of having allergies are higher if you have one or both of your parents have them. But this doesn’t mean that you’ll have an allergy too. Allergies are a complex disease and you may have several different types of allergies. You may be allergic to animal dander and dust mites, or you might be allergic to dust mite dander and insect stings. You might also have allergies to certain drugs, such as penicillin. Or you might be allergic to certain types of foods, such as peanuts and wheat. Other common allergens include latex and nickel.
This isn’t the first study linking allergies to genetics. Scientists have long suspected that allergies may have a genetic component. In a recent study, researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health pinpointed a gene that increases the risk of peanut allergy. Earlier studies had linked genetics to peanut allergy, but this is the first time that two genes are definitively linked to food allergy.
Genetics play a role in allergic reactions. The genes encoding T-cell receptors may influence the intensity of immune responses to specific allergens. These receptors are responsible for the affinities of T-cells with allergens, which may influence the intensity of an individual’s allergic response. There have been several studies linking polymorphic markers in T-cell receptor loci to allergic reactions.
Although allergens are not polymorphic, the genes encoding these proteins may be. Certain mutations in nearby regions of DNA regulate their transcription. This may impact the tendency of the body to produce certain cytokines in response to allergens and contribute to the development of allergic disease. For instance, chromosome 5q contains polymorphisms linked to both asthma and atopy. Most of these markers are near the IL-9 and b2-adrenergic receptor loci. These genes are linked to asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
They Can Be Treated
Allergies can affect people of all ages. They are most common in children, although they can happen at any age. Some allergies are hereditary, while others are not. Fortunately, some allergies can be prevented by avoiding contact with the allergens. These allergens are harmless to your body, but they trigger an immune response and can cause a chain reaction, causing symptoms. Allergen extracts can be injected into your body or taken as tablets or drops.
The treatment for allergies is based on the type of allergy you have. Some can be treated with medication, such as antihistamines and hydrocortisone. Treatment for food allergies is more difficult, and it requires a food diary. A food diary can help pinpoint the offending foods, and avoiding it will confirm your diagnosis. Once you’ve identified the food you’re allergic to, you can begin controlling your symptoms.
A medication called immunotherapy works by weakening the immune system’s response to the allergen. This means that the body’s immune system can become desensitized to the allergen over time and reduce allergy symptoms. The process is long-term, with the goal of reducing allergy symptoms over the course of two to three years. It is very effective, but it isn’t without risks. But it does have some side effects, including severe reactions.
The treatment of food allergies often involves avoiding the allergens or taking an antihistamine or decongestant. Using these medications can help control your allergic symptoms and reduce the inflammation in your sinuses. Some people also choose to use allergy immunotherapy to control their symptoms. This treatment is available only by prescription. There are other methods, like allergy injections, but these methods will not help all cases of allergies.
