ALLERGIES

 

An allergy is a reaction of the body to one or more substances that are harmless to most people.

An allergy is any substance that causes an allergic reaction. Some of the most common sources of allergens are pollens, animals, certain foods and drugs, and stinging insects.

Antibodies are substances normally produced by the body. They form parts of the body's natural defense against infection and other diseases.

In allergic people, an excess of a certain antibody is often produced. Antibodies are secreted into the body fluids and attach themselves to mast cells. When an offending allergen is present, it combines with the antibody. This causes histamine and other chemical substances to be released from the mast cells into the surrounding tissue, resulting in an allergic response or symptom(s).

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually include itchy, runny, sneezy, or stuffy noses, and itchy eyes.

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) is most often a response to pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis is caused by indoor irritants such as feathers, mold spores, animal dander, or dust mites. This can occur all year round.

A similar process takes place in other allergic conditions, such as asthma, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, or food allergies. In these cases, the mast cells involved are located in the lungs, the skin, the eyes, or the intestine.

Allergies are an autoimmune disease. The tendency to develop allergies runs in the families. In fact, 70% of all allergy sufferers have a history of allergies in their families. An allergy is basically a physical disorder. However, strong emotional stress and strain due to fear, anxiety, anger, or aggravation may over-stimulate the nervous system to worsen or even trigger allergic symptoms. When the body defenses are lowered or weakened, many people may become more susceptible to develop allergies. This can also occur after a viral infection, during puberty, or during pregnancy.

Once the offending substance have been identified, it may be possible to avoid those things in the environment that cause your allergic symptoms. Many allergens are not avoidable as in the case of pollens, dust, mold spores, etc. Mild to moderate symptoms may be controlled by drugs, such as antihistamines, or these drugs may be used along with “allergy injections”.

“Allergy Injections”, that is, immunotherapy, is prescribed by the doctor when long-term protection against allergic reactions is needed to control symptoms. Immunotherapy consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the offending allergens which were identified by the allergy testing. This treatment is designed to gradually build up the patient's tolerance against the substances to which they are allergic. This tolerance gradually reaches a point where no more than a minor allergic reaction might occur if the patient is exposed to the allergen.

In many cases, the patient experiences so much relief from immunotherapy that they feel they are cured and discontinue their injections. When symptoms return, the patient must “start over” on the treatment program and build back up to the dosage level that provides relief from symptoms. The most effective treatment program is one where the patient receives treatment at regular intervals, thus giving the patient the greatest possible relief on a continuing basis.