What are Allergies
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Medicine.
Understanding Allergies
What Are Allergies?
Allergies are a common issue, affecting about 20% of Americans. These reactions occur when the immune system responds to typically harmless substances, known as allergens, in an exaggerated way. Let's explore what allergies are and why they occur.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are a type of immune system malfunction, known scientifically as Type I Hypersensitivity. This occurs when the body becomes overly sensitive to normally harmless substances. The term "allergy" was first introduced in 1906 by Clemens von Pirquet, a Viennese pediatrician, who noticed that some symptoms were due to reactions to external allergens like dust, pollen, and certain foods.
Signs and Symptoms
When allergies strike, you might notice swelling in different parts of your body, known as an inflammatory response. For example, allergic rhinitis involves swelling of the nasal mucosa, leading to itching and the need to frequently wipe your nose. In the eyes, allergies can cause redness and itching of the conjunctiva. Other symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and skin rashes like eczema and hives.
Severe allergic reactions can be more dangerous, potentially leading to symptoms like skin reactions, bronchoconstriction, swelling, low blood pressure, and in extreme cases, coma or death. Minor allergies, such as hay fever, are often triggered by airborne pollen, but medications can also cause allergic reactions.
Why Do We Get Allergies?
The immune system is designed to protect us from harmful substances by identifying and eliminating foreign invaders. However, sometimes it misidentifies harmless substances as threats, leading to allergies. This hypersensitivity can cause anything from mild discomfort to severe organ failure.
Several theories explain why the immune system becomes hypersensitive. One theory suggests that proteins often trigger these reactions. Some people have genetic variations that prevent their immune cells from distinguishing between harmful and harmless proteins. For instance, consuming shellfish might lead to the body incorrectly recognizing the proteins as dangerous, prompting the immune system to release antibodies. These antibodies then trigger reactions throughout the body, leading to allergic symptoms.
For more information, visit [this resource](http://www.health-00.info).
By understanding allergies, their causes, and symptoms, we can better manage and address them, creating a healthier life for those affected.
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