The term ‘allergy’ refers to the reaction of immune system
to the several environmental substances that are not necessarily considered
pathogens and are harmless to most of the population. The substances that
caused allergic reactions are called allergens. Allergies happen when the immune system overestimates the
danger of foreign elements and reacts. It is the response of the system that
results in allergic reactions. There are several symptoms that indicate that a
person is having allergic reactions.
How do we get allergies?
Our immune system is conditioned to generate response to
harmful foreign elements. However, allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases
occur when the immune system fails to differentiate between harmful and
harmless cells and external stimuli. In allergies, the immune system responds against foreign
elements (be it food substance, medicines or other environmental proteins) that
are not harmless in nature. This inappropriate response of immune system is
termed as allergic reactions and it results in several symptoms. Watery eyes,
itching, appearance of hives on the skin, nasal congestion and rashes are quite
common.
Where do allergies come from?
There are several sources to which a person can have
allergic reactions. Remember that allergies are subjective, so an allergen for
one person might not be one for someone else. However, there are some common
sources of allergies that affect the majority of the human population.
1.
Food allergies: When the immune system
overreacts against some foods or the ingredients, it generates an immune
response. Food allergies can be hereditary and run in families. Even though
food allergies aren’t confined to one group, the most common allergens are
fish, nuts and dairy products.
2.
Drug allergies:
Drug or medicine allergies are caused by allergic reactions of immune
system to chemicals in drugs. Certain antibiotics, insulin from animal sources
and seizure treatment drugs are some of the allergens. Remember that there is a
difference between drug allergies and side effects of medicine.
3.
Seasonal allergies: Allergies that are triggered
by the environment like mold, pollen, grass, fungal spores, etc. are seasonal
in nature because they are dependent on the prevailing environment and climate.
4.
Animal allergies: Pet dander, insect bites and
stings can also induce allergic reactions in the human body.
5.
Dust allergies: Dust can trigger severe
allergies in some, and even induce symptoms close to that of asthma.
How allergy treatments work?
In the following section we will discuss how certain allergy
treatment works.
Antihistamine: In many allergic reactions, histamine is the
responsible chemical released by the immune response causing allergies.
Antihistamine is used to suppress the production of histamine and to limit
allergic reactions.
Immunotherapy: People who suffer from severe and persistent
allergies that can’t be alleviated through conventional treatments are
subjected to this treatment. In immunotherapy, the immune system is adapted by
introducing minimal dosages of allergens into the body. The goal of this
treatment is to get the body used to the allergens which strength the immune
responses and limits its response.
List of allergy treatments
There are several allergy treatments that can be recommended
by physicians according to the allergy type.
- Nasal corticosteroids sprays
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Antihistamine drugs
- Corticosteroid creams
- Decongestant sprays
- Oral corticosteroids drugs
- Epinephrine injections
It
is difficult to completely neutralize the effects of allergies, but one can
lessen their effects by avoiding allergens and through professionally
prescribed allergy treatments.
Sources
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DR. JESSE A. STOFF is an internationally renowned physician with extensive credentials in clinical immunology and holistic medicine. A graduate of New York Medical College , he pursued extensive post-doctoral training including a fellow- ship at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in London , England
This article is produced and written by the writing team at IMMUNOLOGY TODAY- The Official Newsletter of Linchitz Medical Wellness. Edited and co-published by Dr. Jesse A. Stoff exclusively for the purposes of this blogpost (Immunology Today) and rejuvenatesoliutions.com The publisher(s) hold all rights (c) to all elements, images and content herein. All distribution, sharing or re-posting of this article is only with the express permission from Dr. Stoff and Linchitz Medical Wellness. 265 Post Ave. Suite 380 Westbury, NY 11590 | 516.759.4200 | www.StoffImmunology.com. Rejuvenate! is a registered trademark of Intermedia Communications Ltd. All written content in this newsletter is produced by the Stoff Institute for Medical Research (SIMR) exclusively for private distribution at the Linchitz Medical Wellness Center ©2016- All Rights Reserved.
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