Understanding How Allergies Impact Your Health
Explore how allergies affect your body, including common triggers, symptoms, and diagnostic methods. Learn about different allergy types and the importance of proper treatment to manage allergic reactions effectively.
Our immune system is designed to defend against harmful bacteria and germs that cause infections. Sometimes, it overreacts to harmless substances called allergens, leading to allergic reactions. People with a genetic tendency towards allergies are known as atopic or allergic individuals. In contrast, non-allergic people typically ignore these allergens. Common triggers include medications, foods, pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold. When exposed to allergens, the immune response involves antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which trigger allergy symptoms.
- Dust allergies: Pollutants and dust particles in the air can provoke reactions.
- Pet allergies: Fur, skin, and saliva from cats and dogs often cause allergies.
- Food allergies: Eggs, nuts, shellfish, and soy may trigger mild to severe reactions.
In extreme cases, allergies require medical attention. Common allergy types include eye, skin, respiratory, latex, drug, and mold allergies. Symptoms vary from skin rashes and sneezing to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Diagnosis involves skin tests like prick or intradermal tests, which identify specific allergens. Proper treatment depends on accurate diagnosis and may include medications and allergen avoidance.
