What Is Allergies

If you are curious as to what an allergy is, you will benefit from gaining an understanding of the physiological aspects of allergies. When an individual experiences an allergy, they are truly experiencing an abnormal reaction of the immune system in the body.

Typically, there is no unusual reaction to substances that exist harmlessly in the environment. However, when an individual's body reacts in a negative manner to these substances, it is referred to as an “Allergy”. When evaluating individuals in the United States alone, it is estimated that at least one out of every ten suffers from allergies on a physiological level.

The substances that the immune system reacts to in a negative fashion are called “Allergens”. Typical allergens are items such as dander emitted from various types of animals, various types of mold, and even common items found outdoors such as pollen.

When the allergen enters into the body, the body immediately starts producing a specific antibody. This works to actually create a binding effect with the specific allergen. It is referred to as “IgE”. Immediately thereafter, the “IgE” antibodies locate special cells that are referred to as “Mast Cells” and attach themselves to them. Once this occurs, chemicals are released into the circulatory system of the body.

The main, and the most troublesome, of the chemicals released into the blood is called “Histamine”. When this occurs, the challenging symptoms of the allergy initiate. These symptoms include eye irritation, body rashes, sneezing, feeling tired, and even drainage from the nasal cavity.

If the allergy is severe enough, a serious complication that is referred to in the medical community as “Anaphylaxis” may occur. This is a response from the entire body that could result in a potentially fatal reaction. Individuals that suffer from this severe reaction must seek assistance from a licensed medical professional to reduce the physiological reactions caused by the allergen.