Allergy Information

Allergy Information     

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Allergy InformationBy: Justin Flowers

An allergy happens, when an individual becomes sensitized to a known substance, that starts an allergic reaction. These substances are known as allergens, or triggers, because they cause an overreaction in the body's immune system. There are natural allergens, like pollens, environmental substances, like chemicals, and the foods that we consume, usually proteins, among many others.

There are four distinct ways through which allergens can enter the body:

Inhalation - as with dust mites and pollen.
Eating - as with some foods.
Absorption - via the skin, as with some plants or chemicals.
Injection - some people are allergic to drugs, such as penicillin.

When an allergic person encounters allergens, for the first time, the allergic reactions don't occur, but the immune system becomes sensitized. Think of it, as becoming ready to resist allergens, that it wrongly considers to be invaders, intent on damaging the body.

After becoming hypersensitized to a particular substance, when the immune system encounters a similar allergen; it automatically over-produces antibodies to deal with the perceived threat. The antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate around the body, they interact with other cells. Substances, including histamine, cause inflammation, which is a common allergy condition. Allergies differ in many people, and the symptoms range from being as mild as a runny nose, to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

Testing and Diagnoses

When it is suitable, skin testing is preferred to blood testing, as it is more specific, simpler to perform, and costs less. Nevertheless, your physician will advise what is best suited to your condition.

Treatments Available

Doctors, who are experts in dealing with allergic disorders, undergo extensive training. In the United States at least nine years is needed to qualify as an allergist immunologist. It is reassuring to know that real improvements in medical treatments have been developed by allergists. These include quick acting epinephrine tablets, low allergy foods, and advances in dealing with wasp stings.

Immunotherapy

When immunotherapy is thought to be a suitable treatment, it may either reduce the intensity of an allergy or cure it completely. It involves injecting progressively increased dosage, of the allergen, identified as causing the symptoms. There have been good results in dealing with rhinitis and asthma.

Prescribed Drugs

Several drugs are used to counter the symptoms of allergy which include, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. A few preparations are obtainable over the counter, but it is best to seek advice from your doctor, what is recommeded for your own allergy.

Summary

It is not known precisely why some people get allergies, whilst others don't. It may be that there could be an inherited factor with some allergies.

It seems sure that the incidence of allergies is growing, and that it may have something to do with contemporary living.

For instance, offices have become airtight, with windows that opened being replaced by air conditioning. That being said the quality of the outside air, particularly in built up areas, is questionable. On a global basis, rain forests are being cut down, whilst gas guzzling vehicles are increasing. Add the economic advancement of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial contamination.

Some of the Chinese immigrants develop hay fever, after moving to the United States, for a few years. More recently, there has been much publicity concerning industrial pollution in Beijing, and other places. Probably the time could soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, home grown variety of rhinitis! Could the new found success be accompanied by allergic respiratory disorders - if it does, did the end justify the means?

Disclaimer

The content of this article is only for advice, and should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor, or other medically qualified practitioner. Always seek advice from your doctor, before deciding if any product or treatment, is appropriate for your condition.

Please be aware that what suits one allergy sufferer could be inappropriate for another. Do not act on any advice you have read, either in this article or elsewhere, without the total approval of your doctor. The author cannot accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article.

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About the Article Author

J Flowers prepares articles regarding vegetarianism, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, antioxidants and allergies. If you require to know about allergies please visit his web site www.allergy-check.com which includes information regarding allergy and sinus relief, and other matters.

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