When our immune system produces abnormal reactions to seemingly normal things, the reactions are called an allergy. Your immune system “protects” your body from these things (called allergens), thinking that they are harmful for you. As a desperate rescue attempt, it produces antibodies known as IgE. IgE in turn releases some chemicals into our blood that act upon our body as allergic reactions.
Once you identify the allergens, beware of them. Because every time you come into contact with them, they will produce similar reactions. These reactions can affect almost any part of your body - eyes, nose, lips, skin, and lungs.
Please don’t think you are the only one! Many people are affected by allergic substances beyond imagination. However, you can heave a sigh of relief as doctors the world over are working on the treatment and prevention of allergy.
Reasons For These Reactions
The most commonly known causes for an allergy are mentioned below.
• Heredity
• Constant exposure to allergens in the atmosphere
• Low immunity and susceptibility during illness, like in a viral infection or pregnancy.
Usual Allergic Reactions
An aversion to allergens can cause varied reactions in people. These responses from our immune system can range from mild to severe. Allergies can result in one or more of the following:
• A runny nose - it is a mild symptom which, though uncomfortable, can be tolerated to an extent.
• Skin rash – it is a very common symptom of an allergy.
• Breathing difficulty, chest congestion, swelling in the throat, tongue or other body parts - these may lead to dizziness or complete loss of consciousness. These reactions can be severe and often need immediate medical attention.
What Things Around Me Are Allergens?
Wow! That’s a tough question! The answer is- ANYTHING…
From the tiniest particles of dust to the largest of animals; from natural substances like eggs to drugs like penicillin, anything can produce an allergic reaction. Depending upon how your immune system interprets the substance, you may or may not develop a reaction.
Some Common Allergens
There are some substances that are known to cause allergies frequently.
Pollen: Air borne pollen from trees, grass, flowers, and weeds can cause allergic reactions in many people.
Food Products: Dairy products like milk and cheese, along with eggs, peanuts or tree nuts are also common allergens. They are observed in little children; however, they usually disappear as the children grow up.
Bug-sting: Bugs can be bugging, quite literally. The poison in their sting or bite can cause mild reactions like inflammation or can take a very serious turn in the form of anaphylaxis (Hypersensitivity reaction to the intake of a substance resulting in breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness or inflammation of the throat or other body parts)
Chemicals: Medicines, cosmetics, detergents, cleaners are some of the chemicals that can cause reactions in some people.
Dust: Many people are known to be allergic to dust. However, keeping away from dust can be difficult as you may find it everywhere (in mattresses, carpets, furniture, or on the road).
A Final Suggestion
The best approach to protect you from an allergy is to steer clear from it. You might want to stay away from certain allergens just because they cause annoying reactions like a stuffy nose. Or you might want to avoid some substances because they might cause embarrassment in the form of acne or skin rash. However, evading them is the most necessary in cases where they become life-threatening.