Allergies are on the rise. This is apparent from the fact that more and more people today suffer from eczema, hay fever and irritable bowel syndrome. It is, however unclear, why some people have intolerance to certain substances or why they develop an allergy.
An allergy is a condition wherein a person behaves in an atypical manner to a foreign substance. People may be allergic to substances like food, dust, heat, fabric, bacteria, plants and drugs.
Why Does An Allergy Take Place?
When a foreign substance enters the body tissues the body’s immune system fights against it by producing antibodies. These antibodies cause the mast cells to release chemicals such as histamine in order to fight against the allergen. Histamine affects various parts of the body, producing symptoms like itching, watery eyes, swelling and, in severe cases, difficulty in breathing.
It is difficult to understand why one person gets affected while the others do not. Some of the possible reasons are cited here -
Hereditary
It is believed that allergies run in the family. Men have a higher tendency to be allergic. If a child develops an allergy, it is quite likely that he has inherited it from one of its parents.
Parasites
The antibodies produced in the body are meant to fight parasites. These organisms can have a harmful effect on the body. An efficient IgE mechanism is be able to fight them. However, such an efficient body system then becomes susceptible to allergic reactions.
Cleanliness
The need for a dirt free environment and paranoia about germs and bugs is not a good sign. It is said that some dirt is good during childhood and infancy in order to build a strong immunity.
T-helper cells present in the immune system can recognize foreign substances and fight them. These helper cells remain less active in infants and pregnant women. It is thus important for a baby to be exposed to some dirt to get these helper cells into action.
Availability Of Foods All Year Round
All types of fruits and vegetables were not available all year long in the olden days. But today with the use of freezer technology, the same is available throughout the year and we can use them on a regular basis. For example - Soya allergy is quite common what with soya being available nowadays as one of the ingredients in many products.
Vaccination
More and more vaccinations are being given to children, today. It is, important that children are exposed to mild illnesses in order to build a strong immune system. Vaccinations affect the ratio of T-helper and T-suppressor cells, which adversely affect the child’s reaction to allergies.
Stress And Diet
Stress is one of main causes of allergy. Diet also plays an important role. The combination of a fast-paced life with packaged and processed foods, alcohol intake, less exercise and lack of fresh air takes a toll on health and stress levels. It is also said that bottle-fed infants are more prone to allergies than breast fed ones.