Allergy, a common term in the medical world, refers to the body’s abnormal response to substances that are typically harmless to most individuals.
This hypersensitivity reaction, known as an allergic reaction, involves the immune system’s overreaction to allergens, triggering various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications.
Understanding allergy mechanisms
When an allergic individual comes into contact with an allergen, such as pollen, pet dander, certain foods, or insect venom, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat. This triggers the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which attach to mast cells and basophils, two types of immune cells.
The role of mast cells and basophils
Mast cells and basophils contain granules filled with inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine. Upon subsequent exposure to the allergen, the IgE antibodies on the surface of these cells recognize and bind to the allergen, leading to the release of these inflammatory chemicals.
Common allergic reactions
The release of histamine and other chemicals results in the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include sneezing, runny or congested nose, itching, hives, swelling, wheezing, coughing, or gastrointestinal discomfort. In severe cases, allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition marked by difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
Types of allergies
Allergies can manifest in various forms, including:
Respiratory allergies:
These allergies affect the respiratory system and commonly include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, and allergic bronchitis.
Food allergies:
Certain foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, and wheat, can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Skin allergies:
Skin allergies, such as contact dermatitis or eczema, result from direct contact with allergens like latex, nickel, or certain plants.
Insect sting allergies:
Some people experience severe allergic reactions to insect stings or bites, particularly from bees, wasps, hornets, or fire ants.
Diagnosis and management
Accurate diagnosis of allergies often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, allergy testing (such as skin prick tests or blood tests), and allergen avoidance. Once diagnosed, managing allergies typically involves allergen avoidance, medications (such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine auto-injectors for severe reactions), and in some cases, allergen immunotherapy (desensitization).
In summary, allergies represent an exaggerated immune response to otherwise harmless substances, leading
