What Are Allergies?

Allergy is hazard for immune system against a normally harmless substance (called allergen); it can not dangerous for most people. But some people face serious trouble with allergy, their immune system treats the allergy as invader and react inadequate manner and becomes the harmful for the victim. For protection of body the immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IGE). When mast cells (allergy cells in the body) attack the body these antibodies produce chemicals like Histamine into the bloodstream and defend against the allergy cells.

Allergy affects different part of body e.g. eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin or gastrointestinal. If a person suffers allergy because of some particular food or any other reason he can experience it again whenever he eats or uses that cause of allergy.

Reasons of Allergy:

The basic cause of allergy is still not known. Often hereditary become the reason of allergies, which means it can be genetic dilemma. It is not necessary that all children of one parent suffer this problem may one or two inherit it. There are some kids who have allergies even if no family member is allergic. And child who is allergic to one substance is likely to be allergic to others as well. The reason an individual becomes sensitive to some substances and not to others remains unknown.

Types of Allergen

People can be affected by a variety of allergic diseases and anything can be an allergen; the most common being

1. Dust Mites the most common causes of allergies. These microscopic insects live all around and feed on the millions of dead skin cells that fall off human bodies every day. Dust mites are the main allergic part of house dust, and find in bedding, upholstery, and carpets. Dust mites are made up of many particles and can contain things such as fabric fibers and bacteria, as well as tiny animal allergens.
2. Pollen (from trees and grasses) is another major cause of allergies this allergy also known as hay fever or rose fever). Trees, weeds, and grasses produce small particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Pollen allergies are seasonal, and the type of pollen a person is allergic to determines when symptoms will occur.
3. Animals (cats, dogs, insects such as wasps and bees) often a household pet licks itself and the saliva gets on its hair or feathers. As the saliva dries, protein particles become airborne and work their way into fabrics in the home. Cats are the worst offenders because the protein from their saliva is extremely tiny and they tend to lick themselves more than other animals. Cockroaches are also a major household allergen, especially in inner cities. Cockroach can be a major cause of the high rates of asthma in people.
4. Food: According to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that up to 2 million, or 8%, of kids in the United States are affected by food allergies, and these foods have more allergy reactions in kids: eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. Cow’s milk up to 1% and 7.5% of infants are allergic to the proteins found in cow’s milk and cow’s milk-based formulas. The market formula means that the human body has an abnormal immune system reaction to proteins found in the cow’s milk used to make standard baby formulas, cheeses, and other milk products. Eggs allergy usually begins when kids are very young, but most in the age of 5 kids become the victim of allergy . Most kids with an egg allergy are allergic to the proteins in egg whites, but some can’t tolerate proteins in the yolk. Seafood and shellfish. The proteins in seafood can cause a number of different types of allergic reactions. Peanuts and tree nuts. Peanuts are one of the most rigorous food allergens, often causing serious reactions. About 1.5 million people in the United States are allergic to peanuts. Some part of those allergic to peanuts is also allergic to almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and often sunflower and sesame seeds. Soy. Like peanuts, soybeans are legumes. Soy allergy is more common among children than elder; about 30% to 40% of infants who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to the protein in soy formulas. Wheat. Wheat proteins are found in many of the foods. Although wheat allergy is often confused with Celiac disease, there is a difference. Celiac disease is caused by sensitivity to gluten, which is found in wheat, oat, rye, and barley.
5. Drugs: A lot of drug allergies are usually from penicillin, antibiotics and other medicines that contain sulfa. People should consult their doctor if they suspect a medicine allergy.
6. Molds:  another common allergen, are fungi that flourish both indoors and out in warm, damp environments. Outdoors, molds may be found in poor drainage areas, such as in piles of rotting leaves or compost piles. Indoors, molds grow in dark, poorly ventilated places such as bathrooms and damp basements, and in clothes hampers or under kitchen sinks.
7. Chemicals. Some cosmetics or laundry detergents can cause of an itchy rash. Usually, this is because someone has a reaction to the chemicals in these products. Dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides used on lawns or plants can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Symptoms of Allergies

Because different allergens are more common in different parts of the country and the world, allergy symptoms can also vary, depending on where you live. For example, peanut allergy is unknown in Scandinavia, where they don’t eat peanuts, but is common in the United States, where peanuts are found in more popular food. The type and rigorousness of allergy symptoms vary from allergy to allergy and place to place. Allergies may show up as itchy eyes or an itchy nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, throat tightness, trouble breathing, and even shock.

Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with the conditions:

• Sneezing
• Swelling
• Wheezing
• Itchy eyes, ears, lips throat & palate
• Sinus pain
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Sickness vomiting, & diarrhea
• Coughing
• Increase in secretions
• Nettle rash / inflammation
• watery eyes

Affects of Allergies

People can be affected by a variety of allergic diseases. The most common allergic diseases are allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, asthma, allergic dermatitis, Eczema, contact dermatitis and urticaria also known as “hives”.  Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to apply to anyone who has allergy-based symptoms. Allergic rhinitis can be a seasonal problem (commonly known as “hay fever”) or constant problem (commonly known as perennial allergic rhinitis). Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by allergy to pollens of trees, grasses, weeds or mold spores. Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by house dust, animal, mold and some foods.

Allergies Diagnosis:

For diagnose of allergies there are available number of skin tests and blood tests called radioallergosorbent test (RAST). There are three skin tests used to assess and diagnose allergies:
The prick method is the most common type of skin test. This test is done by placing a drop of allergen extract on the skin on the back and passing a needle through the extract and making a minute puncture in the skin. If allergic to the allergen a hive will appear at the site of the puncture within about 15 minutes. The doctor can perform multiple prick tests with varying allergen extracts simultaneously.

The intradermal test uses a syringe to inject the allergen extract into the top layer of skin in the upper arm, which raises a small bubble on the skin surface. Like the prick method, a hive will appear indicating an allergic reaction.

The patch test can be used to look for substances that might be causing contact dermatitis. A suspected allergen is placed on the skin and covered with a bandage for 48 hours. If the patient is allergic, the skin will become red and peel.

RAST (blood test) is used when skin testing is not sufficient, as in the case of people with eczema and other skin conditions. Diagnostic tests can be done by using a blood sample from a patient to detect the levels of IgE antibody to a particular allergen.

Treatment of Allergies

There are three general approaches to the treatment of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis: avoidance of the allergen, medication to relieve symptoms and allergy shots.

Avoidance

• Wear a pollen mask during the mowing grass or housecleaning.
• Stay indoors in the morning on windy days (when the pollen is at its peak).
• Read and understand food labels (for food allergy).
• Remove indoor plants and other sources of mildew form indoor.
• Avoid keeping pets.
• Use cotton or synthetic material for pillows, blanket or cloth etc.
• Keep your mattress, box springs and pillows in plastic barrier cloth.
• Always wash bed sheets, mattress pad and blankets weekly in hot water.
• Do not use carpets and upholstered furniture.
• Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons.
• Use air filters when go out.
• Use a dehumidifier.
• Don’t hang heavy drapes and get rid of other items that allow dust to accumulate.
• Clean frequently

Medication

When avoidance or control of an allergen isn’t possible, medications may be necessary. Then contact your doctor and use medicine according to doctor’s instructions.

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