What is an allergy?
An allergy is a condition, often inherited in which the immune system of the affected person reacts to something that is either eaten, touched, or inhaled that doesn’t affect most other people. The patient’s immune system reacts to this substance as if it were an “enemy invader” (like a virus). This reaction leads to symptoms that often adversely affect the patient’s work, play, rest, and overall quality of life.
On exposure to an allergen the immune system then releases a chemical called histamine to counteract it. This chemical then remains on the alert for that particular allergen.
The release of histamine can cause a variety of symptoms, including a skin rash, headache, sneezing, runny nose, swelling, nausea and diarrhea. The most severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening.
Over many years allergies have been a problem to most members of our community and often we don’t get to explore the causes of this allergies. In this article, you will learn what causes this allergies.
Content
- Causes of allergies
- Insect sting allergies
- Food allergies
- Drug allergies
- Airborne allergens
- Latex or other substances you touch
Causes of Allergies
The causes of allergies include the following;
- Insect string allergies —Stings from five insects such as wasps, yellow jackets, honeybees, hornets and fire ants – are known to cause allergic reactions to the skin. While most people are not allergic to insect venom, the pain from a sting may cause them to mistake a normal reaction for an allergic one. Knowing the difference between a normal reaction and an allergic reaction is important.
- Food allergies — An allergy occurs when your body’s natural defenses overreact to exposure to some foods and hence treating them as an invader. Particularly peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, eggs and milk.
- Drug allergies — If you develop hives, a rash or difficulty breathing after taking certain medications, you may have a drug allergy. Most common triggers of drug allergies include; penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics, Antibiotics containing sulfonamides (sulfa drugs), Anticonvulsants, Chemotherapy drugs among others.
- Airborne allergens — Such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold. When pollens enter a human noses and throats they trigger a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis called pollen allergy. Pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergies.
- Latex or other substances you touch — Which can cause allergic skin reactions. A latex allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex like gloves, balloons, condoms and other natural rubber products contain latex. An allergy to latex can be a serious health risk