Allergy

Allergy refers to hypersensitive disorder of human system. The agents which induce allergic reactions are referred as allergen and are less toxic environmental substance. The allergic reactions may be rapid, acquired and predictable. The allergic reactions are usually characterized by stimulation of white blood cells, mast cells and basophils in an excessive quantity. These cells are stimulated by antibody type such as IgE which result in inflammatory response.  The commonly faced allergic reactions are hives, hay fever, asthma attacks, eczema, food allergies and venom of vicious insects for instance bees and wasps. Many tests are available to diagnose the allergic response. It includes skin test for the presence of allergens or blood test analysis for the occurrence of allergen specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). The allergies can be treated by using anti histamines, allergy avoidance, oral medications, steroids, targeted therapy and immunotherapy to insensitive the allergen response. Hay fever is a type of mild allergy which is more prevalent in human systems and it also induces symptoms such as itchiness, runny nose and allergic conjunctivitis.  Allergy may result in asthma trouble. Severe allergies may result in dietary allergens, environmental allergens and life threat posing anaphylactic reactions.

Signs & symptoms of allergy

Most of the allergens are induced by dust particles, pollen grains and airborne particles. Most of the symptoms are associated with nose, lungs and eyes. Hay fever also called allergic rhinitis may cause irritation in nose, induce itching, sneezing and redness of the human eyes. At times inhaled symptoms may induce asthmatic symptoms which are induced by slandering the air ways or bronchoconstriction and mucus produced is increased in lungs. Food allergy may induce vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, itchy skin, and swelling of skin. It may also cause respiratory reactions or rhinitis. Latex is common allergic agent and it results in eczema or contact dermatitis.

Questions:

• What is allergy?
• What is food allergy?
• Name some allergens.