Allergy -part 1-
Allergic reactions also known as hypersensitivity reaction is an inappropriate response of the immune system to a substance that is normally not harmful.
The immune system is a highly complex defense mechanism that helps us fight infections, it is identifying foreign invaders and mobilizing white blood cells to fight them. In some people, the immune system mistakenly identifies a nontoxic substance as an invader, and white blood cells overreact and do more harm to the body than the invader. Then, the allergic response itself becomes a disease.
The allergy can be evidenced in various parts of the body as this could make a defined name, and we therefore:
* Allergic rhinitis.
* Contact Dermatitis
* Hives
* Asthma
* Allergic conjunctivitis
* Colitis.
* Allergic Sinusitis
* Allergic Rash
* Acne
* Eczema
* Incontinence
* Angioneurotic Edema
The most common responses to an allergen, depends on where it acts either by contact or inhalation of food:
* Nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing.
* Itching, hives, swelling,
Headache, fatigue,
* Nausea, dizziness, diarrhea,
* Red eyes, tearing, burning,
* Difficulty breathing
Substances that cause allergic responses are called allergens, the most popular are:
* Pollen, dust,
* Certain metals (especially nickel)
* Some cosmetics,
* Hair animals
* Drugs, chemicals,
* Some insects,
* Additives in commercially prepared food (sulfites, MSG)
* Dust mites, molds, gases,
* Some foods such as chocolates, seafood, milk, cheese, eggs, sausage, mayonnaise, ketchup, etc.
Source: www.nuestramedicina.com/asp/enfid.asp?id=7
image source: http://allergyasthma.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/allergy_385x261.jpg