Effects of Allergies on the Body

Effects of Allergies on the Body The human body is made with different kinds of immunity, which protects it from anything that could harm the body. During an allergic reaction, the immune system erroneously believes that what have entered the body are harmful, thus producing antibodies called IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies to protect itself from the harmful element. It then circulates through the blood forming IgEs, which are specific to something as light as food. After this food-specific IgE is formed, it attaches itself to the mast cell which in turn produces chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals include what we call Histamine which acts on the parts of the body near to the mast cell attached with IgE antibodies. Examples are nose, eye, throat, skin, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. This causes the distinctive allergic reactions. Take note that these cells are present in all body tissues. Once the body detects the food which it recognizes as the antibody, the bodys immune system will again fight the food off by going through the whole process of the allergic reaction. While other allergic reactions could be life-threatening such as anaphylaxis or asthma some could be just a simple rash, itchy eyes or sneezing. The reaction depends on the person and is known to be unpredictable. Title: common allergens There are almost 25% of the worlds populations who believe they have food allergies but studies show that only 6% of children and 2% of adults suffers from known types of allergic reactions. Some might just have food intolerance. Such is not linked with the immune system. Here are 8 common allergens most people are allergic to: Peanuts Milk Eggs Fish Tree nuts Wheat Shellfish Soy Kids in their earlier years might outgrow their allergies. However, it always depends on the food that they are allergic to. Usually allergies brought by eggs, milk, soy etc., are likely to be outgrown by children by the time they reach the age of 5 but only 20% of them outgrow allergies cause by peanuts and 10% on tree nuts. Allergic reactions triggered by shellfish or fish which develops later in life are unlikely to be outgrown. A person could be allergic to any foods depending on the reaction of its immune system which either rejects or accepts a type of substance that enters the body. Once the immune system marked the substance as harmful to the body, the substance, then, becomes an allergen for the person Title: first aid during allergic reactions It has been a fact that prevention is better than cure and for persons who are recently experiencing allergies from different allergens, it is a must follow rule. However, there are still situations in which the person forgets or accidentally bumps to some allergens he might not know of. Mild allergic reactions could usually be treated at home; here are some first aid instructions on mild allergies: For mild skin reactions, shower or apply cold compress. For itching, apply calamine lotion or take over the counter antihistamine or Claritin. If you were prescribed with epinephrine, inject yourself, as instructed. This kind of injections is premeasured for rapid relief of severe allergic reactions. For obstruction on breathing, it would be best if any Bystander would be able to perform CPR before the ambulance arrives to keep the patient breathing. For other reactions you should: stay calm, stay away from possible exposure to allergen, take antihistamine or Claritin and if you are feeling light headed or dizzy lie down with your leg raised higher than your head to keep the blood circulating to your brain. These first aid instructions could only be applied to mild reactions; it is still a must to call for a doctor or an ambulance to provide appropriate medication. Title: misconception about allergies There are now thousands of people around the world suffering from different kinds of allergic reactions. Listed below are some misconceptions on allergies: Most food allergies could be outgrown. It is indeed a fact that for kids below five years of age does outgrow some of their mild allergies. However, allergies which are distinctive pass the age of five is unlikely outgrown. Food allergy is not fatal. Mild allergies are not dangerous but there are cases in which triggers anaphylaxis or shortness of breath that could be fatal, this kind of reactions usually comes from peanuts. A person who has allergies is allergic to other foods. Studies show that a person with food allergies is only allergic to not more than four kinds of food. Some could be allergic to sugar. If there is one thing that the body could not be allergic to it would be sugar and fats. Food intolerance is an allergic reaction. Although gastrointestinal tract is included to parts which are affected during allergic reactions, having an upset stomach may be a result of something else. Always bear in mind that if the reaction you are experiencing involves your immune system then and only then can it could be called an allergic reaction. Title: symptoms of food allergies Symptoms of food allergies do not show up until the body digests it. Depending on the time of digestion, only few symptoms would become distinctive. This reaction may take from a few minutes to a few hours. The initial allergic reactions could be from simple itching to difficulty breathing, while the food is being digested in the stomach, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting would start, this phase is most often confused with food allergies or food intolerance. After digestion, the antibodies produced by the bodys immune system would go into the bloodstream to fight off the allergens this phase may cause eczema (skin inflammation) or hives (red or itchy bumps on skins). And when it reaches the respiratory organs, depending on the kind of allergic reaction could cause difficulty in breathing, as this allergens pass through the blood vessels it may also cause muscle weakness or lightheadedness and worst could be anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis could be seriously fatal even if it started out with just a feeling of tingling in the throat this could go on to shortness of breath. Proper medical attention is required. Some mild food allergies may stop to just itching and after some few treatments or dose of antihistamine. Title: Allergy: A Brief Explanation Allergy is exaggerated  and  a substance that causes an allergic reaction called allergens. Such common allergens that may result to an allergy exposure are the   plant pollens from grasses, trees, or ragweed; tiny scales shed from the feathers, hair or skin of various animals; arachnids and insects, such as house dust mites, bees, and wasps; and drugs, such as penicillin. Hard-shelled animal (e.g. .lobster, crabs, and shrimps), eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat are among the most common food allergies. Researchers estimate that at least 24 million people in the United States suffer from allergies, about 19 percent of the population. Allergy affects the immune system. Immune System is a  group  of  cells,  molecules, and organs that act together to protect our body against foreign invaders that may cause disease, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The health of our body is dependent on the immune systems ability  to recognize, drive away and destroy these invaders. Upon first exposure to an allergen, no allergic symptoms may develop. When the person is exposed to same substances at a later time, the allergic reaction against the lgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies may activate the allergen. Here are some allergy symptoms: Itching Sneezing Stuffy nose Watery eyes Inflammation of the airways in the lungs Wheezing There are also seldom incidents of allergic shock and death. Title: Allergy: Does it affect self-image? Allergies are abnormal reaction of the immune system to certain substances. Allergic reactions vary from one individual to another. A person may be allergic to something that is typically harmless to other people. These substances are called allergens, which include food, house dust, medicines, insect stings, and latex rubber. Self-image is about how people think of themselves physically. It can be closely linked to self-esteem because as individuals grow, they care more of how others see them. Self-esteem is essential because this influences how a person acts. When you are confident about yourself, you are more in control of your behavior, you can make more friends, and you enjoy life more. Allergies can have a major impact on a persons emotional state. When allergies attack, physical symptoms such as sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes, congestion and itching, can affect peoples mood, some may feel annoyed, irritable, and frustrated. Some sufferers could actually feel less attractive and may feel self-conscious which makes them less productive in life. One of the best ways to deal with allergies is to avoid the allergens. Although there are significant improvements in the medical arena as to how allergies can be treated, avoidance remains the best way to stay away from allergic reactions. Do this, and be able to maintain good self-image at the same time. Title: Different Allergy Symptoms Allergen is any substance that causes an allergic reaction. Many allergens such as pollen of plants, molds exposure, dust mites, animal dander and the hazardous chemicals are airborne particles. In these cases, symptoms arise in areas in contact with air, such as the eyes, the nose, and the lungs. Example is  allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fevers, a condition due to  allergy  that imitates a continuing cold. Symptom includes irritation of the nose, sneezing, itching and redness of the eyes. Inhaled allergens can also lead to an asthmatic symptoms caused by narrowing of the airways and increased production of  secretion  in the lungs, shortness of breath coughing and wheezing. Aside from these allergens in surrounding area, allergic reactions can result from  foods,  insect stings, and reactions to  medicines  like aspirin  and  antibiotics  such as  penicillin. Symptoms of food allergy include  abdominal pain,  swollen or inflated,  vomiting,  diarrhea,  itchy skin, and  swelling of the skin during hives. Food allergies rarely cause  asthmatic reactions, or  rhinitis. Insect stings, antibiotics, and certain medicines produce a systemic allergic response that is also called  anaphylaxis (extreme sensitivity); multiple organ systems can be affected, including the  digestive system, the respiratory system, and the  circulatory system.  Depending of the rate of severity, it can cause  continuous reactions, enlargement,  low blood pressure,  coma, and even  death. Latex is also common causes of allergic reactions this is a substances that touches the skin. This is also known as contact skin inflammation. Skin allergies often cause rashes, or swelling and inflammation within the skin. Title: Peanut Allergy: Is there a Cure? Peanut, also known as groundnut, belongs to the legume family with a scientific name, Arachis hypogaea. Allergic reactions can be mild to severe in some people. Although the main cause of developing peanut allergy is unknown, it is believed to have something to do with how peanuts are processed. The method of cooking of peanuts in Asia, for example, is frying and boiling, making it less allergenic compared to dry roasting done in Westernized countries that makes allergens more potent. Peanut allergy is a form of food allergy commonly experienced by school age children and adults. It is potentially dangerous and can be life threatening, too. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, urticaria, asthma, swelling of the lips, face, throat and skin, and anaphylactic shock. If these symptoms are left untreated, it can be very fatal and may even lead to death. Peanut is a common food especially in Western countries. It is also a major ingredient in some commercially manufactured products, thus making it difficult to keep away from. Accidental exposure may be experienced. Despite the fact that the allergy can last a lifetime, some children have been said to outgrow peanut allergies. At present, the treatment for allergic reactions to peanut is not confirmed. However, management of peanut allergy has been practiced including desensitization of the immune system to the allergens acquired form peanuts. But the only way to avoid the occurrence of allergic reaction is to keep away from eating peanuts and peanut products. Title: Is Allergy Control effective? Allergy control plays a significant role in the prevention of hypersensitivity reactions. Allergies affect people in many different ways. It represents itself in various cases and it is caused by a variety of allergens. If a person has a certain allergy to something, it is important to always be knowledgeable about its cause to be able to prevent it from recurring. When you are aware of the substance causing the allergic reaction, you are more in control of the situation, you know how to manage it, and you are less likely to experience fatal consequences. How do we avoid allergens? There are specific ways for a particular allergen, but commonly, it is always advisable to be hygienic at all times. You must prevent yourself from being in contact with the allergen. And you can also try medications that are prescribed for certain allergies, like antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, and nasal sprays. There is also an Allergy shot, known as immunotherapy, wherein an allergen is introduced to your body on a regular basis to gradually make you immune to such allergen. If not all, most of the allergies have no known cure. It is believed that strict avoidance is always the best way to combat allergic reactions. And so with this thought, allergy control is indeed effective. Title: A Brief Discussion of Skin Allergy Many think that just because their skin has rashes and that it itches, they already have skin allergy. This is not true because not all skin rashes are connected with skin allergy. Below are some of the most common skin allergies: Atopic Dermatitis Urticaria or Hives Contact Dermatitis Skin Itching without the presence of rashes There are different causes of allergy as well. The most common are the jewelry metals and perfumes. The reaction that takes place after your skin touches the allergen is called allergic contact dermatitis. The top metals causing this are nickel, gold, and Thimerosal. There are also fragrance substances that cause such reactions. Examples are the Balsam of Peru and fragrance mixes. So what will you do if you have skin allergy? The first thing you need to do is to determine its cause. You may have pet allergies or seasonal allergies. Identifying what is causing them can help you prevent them. After learning its cause, it is best to consult a doctor right away to learn about the remedies you can try. This is very important especially if you have severe allergic reactions. However, the best thing you can do is to avoid trigger factors. Avoid contact with your allergens to prevent problems. Title: Sun Allergy: How it affects your outlook in life. The sun symbolizes beauty and radiance. It represents life, happiness and mysticism. For some people, when the sun rises, normally they will embrace it with open arms. They will grab every chance they get to enjoy the sunshine. But if you are allergic to it, how does the sun make you feel? If you are faced with the challenges that a ray of light present to you, how do you react? Sun allergy is often characterized by an itchy red rash caused by an exposure to sunlight. It is commonly located on the neck, hands, arms and lower legs. Sometimes, severe skin reactions may occur, like small blisters and hives that may even spread to skin areas covered with clothes. This kind of allergy occurs only in sensitive individuals, in some instances, brief exposure to sun can trigger allergic reactions. For people with sun allergy, being outdoors, like having to enjoy the beach is quite an ordeal. There are remedies, like application of sunscreen and sun block, wearing of sunglasses and clothes that cover the skin. But being under the sun without the worries of allergic reactions is one of the best gifts that life has to offer. If the sun is the symbol of beauty and radiance, if it represents life, happiness and mysticism, then for a person allergic to it, it may be difficult to have the same opinion as others have. Title: Is There Cure for Allergies? There are different forms of allergies. One can be allergic to a specific type of food. There are also those who are allergic to certain medicines while others react to other allergens like dusts, pollens and other small particles. There are a lot of people that do not realize that they are allergic to something until they experience reactions after taking or having contact with the allergens. The symptoms may not show right away. The reactions may not show until a few minutes or hours after the encounter with the allergens. This is why it is essential that you are familiar with the symptoms. The common symptoms are difficulty in breathing, nausea, rashes, watery eyes and congestion. The symptoms vary depending on the level of the allergic reactions. There are over the counter medicines that that you can take to fight the allergic reactions. However, you still have to see your doctor to make sure that they are good for you. Many claim to give allergy cure. There are a lot of natural products offered in the market today. Some of them are the Nettle and Ginkgo Biloba. However, the best cure for allergies is prevention. Always check the label of your food purchases. You have to keep your home clean as well and see to it that the air you breathe is clean. Title: A Look at Allergy Developments Many ask about allergy developments. To understand it better, one should learn about its different categories. Once  allergy  antibodies have been form in a persons body in response to a particular allergen, an allergic reaction can occur when the person comes in contact with that allergen. The said allergens can be inhaled, eaten, injected, or contacted by the skin. When allergy antibodies are activated by an allergen, they cause body cells to release a substance called histamine, a chemical that dilates blood vessels, promotes fluid secretions, and stimulates nerves that cause muscles to spasm. These reactions create various allergy symptoms. Eyes become itchy, red, and watery when pollen allergens affect it. When the allergens affect the lungs it causes emission of mucus and inflammation, swelling, and narrowing of the airways, that result in asthma. Symptoms include spasms of the airways and sudden difficulty in breathing. Patients  are  sometimes surprised by the sudden start of allergies in adult life. This is able to occur when the combination of a persons genetic makeup and a longstanding but unnoticed reactivity to an allergen finally culminates in a detectable disease. This so-called allergic threshold is crossed when allergens finally produce enough reaction in the body to cause detectable symptoms. Many people  think  that emotions, such as stress, cause allergies, but most physicians believe this is incorrect. In fact, the opposite may be true: People with allergies live with symptoms that can produce serious emotional upset. Title: Allergy Risk Factors: An Overview Allergy risk factors can be categorized into two, the host and the environmental factors. Examples of Host factors are age, heredity, sex, and race. Among them, heredity is the most significant. There are also instances when the occurrences of allergic disorders are not linked with genetic aspects. Allergy attacks can be provoked by environmental factors; allergy causes are the dust, peanuts, and pollens. These factors can be easily identified and allergy treatment can be taken if one is sensitive to pollen. The threat of allergic sensitization and the development of the allergies differ with age.   The peak occurrence of hay fever is highest in children and young adults and the incidence of asthma is highest in children under 10. In comparison to females, males are more likely to develop allergy. However, young female adults are likely to be affected with diseases like asthma. There are also comparisons made in international differences. Results show there is high incidents of allergic diseases in industrialized areas compared to areas, which remain traditional, with rich agriculture. Since our bodies progress to deal with a certain level of such pathogens, when it is not exposed to this level the immune system will attack harmless antigens, and thus normally benevolent microbial objects, like pollen, will trigger an immune response. Title: A struggle with Milk Allergy Milk allergy is a form of food allergy. It is an allergy to proteins in cows milk or milk from other animals that is usually not dangerous to other people. It can cause anaphylaxis, which can lead to death if not treated accordingly. People allergic to milk are probably having a hard time dealing with it. Not only because it is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, it is also an ingredient to some of the most delicious foods ever made, like ice cream, cakes, and pizzas. Some food products may not obviously contain milk in it, but being cautious at all times will help in the prevention of an allergic reaction. Always read food labels before consumption and do not eat anything that you are not sure of. It is sad that there is no cure for milk allergy. Avoidance of milk and milk products is still the best way to prevent the occurrence of the allergy. If a person allergic to milk has accidentally ingested food with this content, and start to experience symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, difficulty of breathing and chest pain, he may give himself a shot of Epinephrine right away before help arrives. It is important to seek medical help just in case you need follow up treatment for the allergic attack. Title: Understanding Dust Allergy Even the simplest dust can cause allergy. However, the dust allergy is not caused by dust alone. The sniffing and sneezing are caused by house dust, which is composed of various particles. Some of the items that may be included in the house dust are the following: Cockroach waste Human and pet dander Mold They are very difficult to detect because they are invisible in the naked eye. They may be lurking in your carpets, sofa, bed and other furniture. They breed and develop in areas that are damp and humid. Once they come in contact with the skin or when inhaled, these allergens cause allergic reactions. Such reaction could lead to the scaling of the skin and other allergy symptoms. There are also severe reactions that can be fatal if not dealt with right away. Learning about the dust mites caused by the house dust is your best defense against dust allergy. Frequent cleaning is a must. Remember that they thrive in dark, warm and moist places. You should also wash fabrics regularly. These include your bed sheets and pillow cases. Clean your sofa regularly as well. Vacuum the carpets too. A clean house is your best armor against dust mites that cause dust allergy. See to it that you do not provide them with a breeding ground. Title: Is it Easy to Prevent Yourself from Allergy Asthma? When we speak of breathing, it is always connected to being alive and being able to do the things we want in this world. Having problems with it can actually cause us panic and worry about dying because we all know that in the absence of breathing, it only means one thing, we are dead. Allergy asthma is a common respiratory problem that affects mostly young children and young adults, and can be a problem even until later years of life. It is characterized by wheezing, productive cough and difficulty in breathing. It causes mild agitation but could be fatal depending on the number of allergens affecting the airways. There is no permanent cure for Asthma but there are several ways to control it and lessen its effect on daily living. Treatment of allergy asthma involves a lot of medications including bronchodilators and inhalers, which provide a quick relief from discomfort in breathing. Alternative ways like herbs and dietary supplements are also available to help manage the conditions brought about by the disease. It is also said that the best treatment is trying to prevent yourself from being affected by the disease. But this could be impossible to some because allergy asthma is hereditary. People with family history of asthma are at higher risk of developing the disease. If it is in the genes, getting away from it could be difficult. Title: Role of an allergist Allergist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and suggests proper allergy treatment. His the one who shows a brief physical examination, looking in the nose, the eyes, the ears, the throat, listening to the chest and examining the skin. In various cases the allergist also performs allergy skin test. This is a kind of test that uses painless injection into the surface of our skin. A person who has a positive skin test response that occur after 15 to 30 minutes, there is a local skin reaction. Allergy treatment varies with the severity and a type of allergy symptom. On the assumption that medicines cannot control allergy symptoms, the allergist may recommend allergen immunotherapy. And it is a treatment of disease or other disorders by strengthening our bodys immune system. Testing the antibodies is an example. This is a series of injection, which helps reduce the patients reaction to allergens. In several cases, the best allergy treatment is to remove the offending allergens from the patients environment. Food allergies are the most difficult allergy type to be diagnosed and to be treated. Its skin tests are inaccurate, and blood test can be indecisive. Allergist helps the patients identify the specific suspicious foods they should not to eat. He helps patients to identify which food is the offending allergen. Allergist also gives special diet to the patients in order to eliminates food he is allergic to. Title: Skin allergy: a threat to ones confidence Most people, if not all, get their confidence with their physical appearance. Aside from facial attributes and physical features, the skin has a big role in your self-projection. Sometimes, we even judge a person and can conclude a lot of things by just looking at their skin. With clear and smooth skin, you can boost your morale and be happy with yourself. When you are happy with yourself, you contribute to your health and wellness. On the other hand, when symptoms like rashes, itchiness, swelling, irritation and inflammation are evident, it indicates skin allergy or skin disease. Sometimes, people may think they you are infectious that they even avoid being near you and all. It is needless to say that is appalling for anyone who encounters these kinds of situation. The skin, without any doubt, is very important. Not only because it covers the inside of our body but also because it protects us from a lot of diseases. Skin is the humans first line of defence against any harmful substances in the environment. Human skin can be sensitive to some substances that come into contact with it. These harmful substances are called allergens. Skin allergy may vary from person to person, as well as the treatment for such allergy may differ. So it is essential to maintain its integrity and keep it from being damaged. In this way, maintaining confidence will be achievable.