What are allergies? How to prevent allergies?

What are Allergies? How can they be controlled?

Allergies are reactions in the body against certain substances which do not agree with your body system. The substances that do not agree with you are called allergens .

When you come into contact with the allergens your body system triggers off a series of reactions which in turn leads to symptoms called allergies .

What actually happens in your body??

The immune system protects the body against infections and diseases. It attacks the germs that invade the body and cause diseases. The immune system keeps the body healthy.

When you are allergic to certain substances (allergens), the immune system thinks that it is harmful to your body and starts to eliminate the allergens by producing Ig E antibodies. The antibodies, makes certain cells release chemical substances into the blood stream.

These chemical substances act on the eyes, nose, throat, chest, lungs and cause allergic reactions. Every time you come in contact with the allergens, you will have an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions maybe mild, like a runny nose, sneezing or itching of the skin. Sometimes the allergic reaction can be severe – an asthma attack, difficulty in breathing, swallowing, swelling of the lips, dizziness or loss of consciousness. This severe reaction is called anaphylaxis .

Anaphylaxis occurs minutes after the body is exposed to the allergen or it can take even up to four hours. This can be treated with proper and timely medication .

What are antibodies?

Antibodies can be considered as soldiers who fight and kill any foreign substances that can injure or infect the body in any way. They are produced by the immune system whenever there is an allergic reaction. The Ig E antibodies are a specific type of antibodies that are produced by the immune system to fight against the allergens.

Types of allergens??

Allergens are substances that do not agree with your body. There are different types of allergens:

Food – These are caused by milk, other dairy products, peanut, seafood, wheat, soy, eggs etc., Stomach upset, diarrhea, an itchy nose, rashes are some of the symptoms of food allergies.

Airborne particles – The air around you can also cause allergies. This is triggered off by pollen in the air, dust mites, hair from cats or dogs, dust from carpets, shedding from carpets etc.,

Medicines – Medicines can also cause allergic symptoms in some people. For example – Antibiotics such as Penicillin, antibiotics which use Penicillin as an ingredient, Aspirin etc.,

Chemicals – Chemicals in detergents, hair dyes, body creams, lotions, pesticides used on lawns, household cleaners etc., can cause allergic reactions in your body.

How to prevent allergies?

Allergies can be prevented by keeping away from the substance you are allergic to.

Avoid all allergy causing foods.

Do not keep pets inside your house, hairs from their body will cause allergies.

Do not use carpets if you are allergic. Dust from carpets or any shredding of the carpet, will trigger off an allergic reaction.

There are special types of anti-allergic blankets and bed coverings. You can use them to prevent allergies.

Keep your house dust free as much as you can.

When the weather is windy try to stay indoors. Pollen in the air will cause an allergic reaction if you inhale them.

Remember prevention is better than the cure.

References

WebMD

Mayoclinic

howstuffworks.com