An allergic reaction results when your immune system recognizes a harmless substance (such as a pollen grain) as a foreign invader and acts accordingly. The body responds and produces antibodies (IgE), which recognize and bind to the protein. This immune response is responsible for the allergic reaction.For example, in the case of a pollen allergy, your immune system will trigger sneezing to rid the body of the... Read more >
Symptoms of allergic reactions are often classified as "localized" or "generalized."Localized reactions occur in a particular spot on the body, such as a small rash.Generalized reactions occur to several bodily systems or to the entire body, such as anaphylaxis.If you believe you are suffering from allergies, a doctor can diagnose your specific allergy by reviewing your history of symptoms and, if necessary... Read more >
Asthma is a condition that often arises from allergies. More specifically, the respiratory problems that arise during an allergy-induced asthma attack usually occur because of an allergic reaction.Asthma that is triggered by allergens is called "allergic asthma." Allergic asthma is common and most easily treated by avoiding the particular allergen that triggers attacks. While avoidance of the allergen is the... Read more >
Strong evidence suggests a link between allergies and genetics. The evidence for genetic allergies lies in family histories of allergies and asthma as well as clinical studies of genetic allergy in twins. The situation, however, is neither clear nor obvious: most studies suggest we inherit an inclination toward getting allergies, rather than specific allergies themselves. The Allergic Response An allergy occurs... Read more >
The recent swine flu outbreak has been making headlines as the disease has spread across the world and caused dozens of fatalities. This highly contagious strain of influenza, which was first detected in Mexico, has quickly spread to many continents, affecting hundreds of people in less than one week with symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Swine flu has proven fatal in a small percentage of cases... Read more >
In the US, more than seventy percent of households have a dog and/or cat. An estimated ten percent of Americans have pet allergies; twenty to thirty percent of asthmatics also have an allergy to pets. Approximately six million Americans have cat allergies, and of this six million about 1/3 are cat owners. Conflicting information about pet allergies... Read more >
The best treatment for any allergy is avoidance: Whenever possible, distance yourself from the allergen. Unfortunately, though, many allergens are widespread and difficult to dodge. Pollen can travel great distances. Dust is everywhere. Pet dander can make its way into your home or workplace on other people's clothes. A food you think is "safe" may contain traces of a food to which you are allergic. Avoidance... Read more >
Skin allergies are common: An estimated nine percent of Americans suffer from some degree of allergic contact dermatitis. Skin allergy incidence appears to be on the rise. In the 1960s, only three percent of children were diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis. By the late 1990s that number had risen to ten percent.Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen... Read more >
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