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An allergy happens, when a person is sensitized to a known substance, that starts an allergic reaction. These substances are known as allergens, or triggers, because they trigger an overreaction in the body’s immune system. There are naturally occurring allergens, such as pollens, environmental substances, such as chemicals, and the foods that we eat, mostly proteins, and numerous others. There are four main ways through which allergens can enter the body: Inhalation - as with pollen and dust mites. Eating - as with certain foods. Absorption - via the skin, as with some plants or chemicals. Injection - some people are allergic to drugs, such as penicillin. If an allergic individual experiences allergens, for the first time, the symptoms do not occur, but the defense mechanism is sensitized. Consider it, as getting ready to resist allergens, that it mistakenly takes to be invaders, intent on damaging the body. If it becomes hypersensitized to a particular substance, the next time the immune system experiences a similar allergen; it automatically mass-produces antibodies to cope with the perceived threat. The antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate throughout the body, they react with other cells. Then substances, including histamine, cause inflammation, which is a frequent allergy condition. Allergies differ in different people, and the symptoms go from being as mild as a runny nose, to anaphylaxis, which is sometimes fatal. Diagnoses and Testing When it is suitable, skin testing is preferable to blood testing, as it is more specific, easier to do, and costs less. However, your physician will advise what is best suited to your condition. Treatment Physicians, who are experts in treating allergic diseases, undergo extensive training. In the USA at leastnine years is required to become an allergist immunologist. It is reassuring to know that real advances in medical treatments have been developed by allergists. They include quick acting epinephrine tablets, low allergy foods, and advances in treating wasp stings. Immunotherapy If immunotherapy is considered a suitable treatment, it may either reduce the intensity of an allergy or cure it completely. It involves injecting progressively increased dosage, of the allergen, identified as causing the symptoms. There have been encouraging results in dealing with rhinitis and asthma. Medicinal Drugs Various drugs are available to counter the symptoms of allergy including, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. A few preparations are available over the counter, but it is best to find out from your doctor, what is recommeded for your own allergy. Summary It is not known precisely why some people get allergies, when others do not. It may be that there could be an inherited factor with some allergies. It seems clear that the incidence of allergies is growing, and that it seems to have something to do with contemporary living. For instance, work places have become airtight, with windows that opened giving way to air conditioning. That being said the quality of the outside air, particularly in built up areas, is questionable. On a world wide basis, rain forests are diminishing, whilst gas guzzling vehicles are everywhere. Add the economic advancement of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial contamination. Some of the Chinese settlers develop hay fever, after moving to the USA, for a few years. Quite recently, there has been much publicity concerning industrial contamination in Beijing, and other cities. Probably the time could soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, local grown sort of rhinitis! Will the sweet smell of success be accompanied by allergic respiratory diseases – if it does, it must prove something! Disclaimer The content of this article is only for advice, and should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor, or other medically qualified adviser. Always seek advice from your doctor, before deciding whether a particular product or treatment, is suitable for your condition. You should know that what suits one allergy sufferer might be inappropriate for another. Do not act on any advice you have read, either in this article or elsewhere, without the total approval of your doctor. The author cannot accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article.
Article Source: http://www.phalenes.org/articles
Richard Wise writes articles concerning vegetarianism, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, antioxidants and allergies. If you require to know about allergies please visit his web site www.allergy-check.com that contains advice regarding allergy symptoms, and other matters.
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