ECS::Allergies - Reaction of the Body to External Substances

Allergies

Allergies (allergy, singular)
reactions of the body to external substances called allergens.

Common allergens are:

Human Skin Flakes
Plant Pollens
Animal Skin Flakes (dander)
Insect Fragments and Feces (dust mites, flies, etc.)
Foods (eggs, milk, peanuts, yeast, etc.)
Drugs (penicillin, etc.)

Approximately 45 million people suffer from allergies in the United States.

When an allergen is introduced to the body, the immune system releases antibodies to combat the substance. These antibodies are called immunoglobulins (IgE), which the body stores for future use against the allergen. Whenever the body comes in contact with the allergen after initial exposure, the already formed IgE is released which initiates an allergic reaction in the body.

An allergic reaction triggered by an allergen and the release of the appropriate IgE will cause the body to respond by releasing a chemical called histamine, which dilates the blood vessels causing increased fluid secretion. Depending on the severity of the reaction, the body can become unbalanced causing nervous system malfunctioning, which leads to muscle spasms, most often of the respiratory system.

Asthma is a specific reaction resulting in the restriction of respiratory passages due to an allergic reaction, most often the result of an airborne allergen. Asthma typically induces the secretion of mucus into the lung passages which further restricts airflow causing suffocation in many cases. A person suffering from an acute case of asthma will have asthma attacks, which are continuous sets of spasms in the respiratory system causing hyperventilation, which can lead to panic, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure with low oxygen content. A person suffering from an asthma attack can very easily lose conciousness and die if oxygen and antihistamines are not quickly administered.

Anaphylactic shock occurs when the entire body enters the reactive state to an allergen. As a result, blood pressure may drop leading to respiratory spasms and hyperventilation. Hives and body itching are also common results of an anaphylactic shock.

Eczema is a disease caused by an allergy that induces chronic inflammation of the skin. Macules and papules (spots on the skin), lesions and blisters may result from the reaction. These skin maladies are typically accompanied by intense itching and fluid secretion.

Research has yet to determine the reason for many allergies, especially food allergies. Many allergies are detectable using tests that introduce common allergens to a persons body, then monitoring for reactions. However, these tests are not always accurate, especially in detecting food allergies which often are the most harmful to the body. Research has shown that many allergies are passed through DNA from parent to child.