Allergy Introduction   Allergies are an abnormal response by the immune system to specific substances known as allergens or antigens. Allergens are not normally harmful and can include foods (such as dairy products, chocolate, shellfish and wheat), drugs (such as penicillin), pollens, dust mites, mold spores, animal dander, insect venom, certain metals (especially nickel), some cosmetics, and other common substances. Our immune system is a highly complex defense mechanism that helps us to recognize and combat "foreign invaders" such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.  Click Here to Enlarge   In an allergic or hypersensitive reaction, the immune system recognizes an allergen as foreign and produces an allergic type of antibody (called immunoglobulin E or IgE) to neutralize and repel the allergen. IgE triggers a special type of immune cell (called the Mast cell) which releases potent chemicals into the blood stream, mainly histamine. These chemicals produce the allergic reactions in the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract.   Genetics appears to be an important determinant on why many people develop allergies. A common form of allergy, called "atopy", occurs when an allergic tendency runs in families. Atopic individuals are born with a predisposition to develop an extra sensitivity to allergens and produce too much of the IgE allergy antibody. Atopy can manifest as different allergic conditions including childhood eczema, dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, allergies, and migraines.     Allergy Statistics   According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (1): Allergies may affect as many as 40 to 50 million people in the United States.   35.9 million people in the United States have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).   10 million Americans have allergic asthma.   20.3 million Americans suffer from asthma   Allergy Symptoms   Allergic reactions are divided into four different categories: Type 1, Type 11, Type III, and Type IV. Type I allergic reactions are the most common and occur within minutes after exposure to a given allergen and reactions can range from mild to severe, including: sneezing itchy or runny nose itchy throat and/or ears rashes headaches dizziness hives gastrointestinal upset breathing problems including asthma swelling of the face (angioedema) anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening reaction which may include any of the above symptoms as well as irregular heartbeat, shock, seizures, and/or swelling of the throat and larynx (voice box), requiring urgent medical attention.) Common conditions that manifest allergic symptoms include: Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis): environmental allergens (pollen, mold) can trigger allergic symptoms including nasal congestion and discharge, sneezing, itchy eyes, and tearing.   Allergic Asthma: pollen, dust, smoke, and animal dander can trigger allergic symptoms including difficulty breathing and wheezing.   Gastrointestinal allergies: antigenic foods can trigger allergic symptoms including diarrhea, cramping, vomiting and nausea.   Eczema (atopic dermatitis): antigenic foods, dust, or pollen can trigger allergic symptoms including rashes and itchy, scaling patches of skin. Learn More About Allergies Allergy Introduction Allergy Treatments Allergy Products   Learn More

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