Allergies

Overview
Causes
Symptoms
Treatments (1 treatments reviewed)

Allergies Overview:

Allergies are very common in America, affecting nearly a quarter of the population.  The immune system is hypersensitive to common substances, called allergens, leading to an inflammatory reaction.  As a response the body produces immunoglobulin E which is a type of antibody that attaches to mast cells.  The response to allergies can be as simple as wattery eyes or as serious as anaphylactic shock.

Allergies Causes:

Allergies are caused by a hypersensitive immune system.  In response to allergens, the body produces immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody subclass, which attaches to mast cells.  These mast cells occupy the airways as well as the regions where allergens flow into the body and become hyperactive upon contact.  This explosion releases many chemicals including histamine, the agent responsible for the symptoms.  Allergies can take on different forms depending on how the allergens enter the body.

Allergies Symptoms:

There are a variety of inflammatory reactions which are associated with allergies. Some of the most common symptoms are dry/watery eyes, runny/swollen nose, ear aches, or rashes.  The airways are often affected as well, causing wheezing and occasionally asthma attacks.  Hay fever is another common symptom of allergies.  There are, however, some sever cases which cause cutaneous reactions.  Anaphylaxis is a reaction of allergies which can be life threatening, but is rare.

Allergies Treatments

We have compiled a list to help you compare leading Allergies treatments and cures before you buy.