Allergies: Class 101

An allergy is an anomalous reaction or an increased sensitivity to specific materials and substances. The allergic person actually produces a variety of symptoms when they are exposed to these specific substances, which are virtually harmless to people who are not allergic to the substance.

The main reason behind this is that people who are allergic to things tend to make a special type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E also known as IgE. This antibody reacts to the environmental substances, but in a harmful way. This is then known as allergens.

The reaction between IgE and allergens antibodies are the cause for the release of substance known as histamine, which results in the allergic symptom in the nose, eyes, skin, chest, and many other parts of the body.

The most common allergens around are pollens, house dust, animal dander, a few drugs, molds, many food items, such as, eggs, fish, nuts, and milk. However, wasp and bee stings may even cause an allergic reaction, and sometimes in extreme cases be fatal.

Common Allergies

The most common symptoms when an allergy occurs tends to be itching. Itching can be mild or severe. The most extreme form of dry skin is known as Nummular Eczema. Nummular Eczema appears as a circular red to pink patch of dry, flaky, and rough skin on the arms or legs. However, the mid-back between your shoulder blades is often a common area to be affected by Nummular Eczema and dry skin. This area also is one of the most difficult places for the person to apply lotion too.

Who Becomes Allergic?

Did you know that anyone at any age can develop an allergy? However, the chances are higher if both or even one parent suffers from a certain kind of allergic condition. In fact, the occurrence of another allergic person within a family unit is the strongest influence for forecasting an allergy in a child. It must also be known, that even when each parent are affected by allergies, the child may not be. However, allergic children can also be born to parents with no allergies.

Diagnosis

It is vital that, for a successful treatment, the allergens that are responsible for the symptoms are correctly identified. There are a few different way to diagnosis an allergy. For starters, the case history is vital when diagnosing any allergy. You will tell your doctor your symptoms and she will decide what tests to perform.

Case History

The case history is basically the timeline of all allergy investigations. In order for your doctor to get an idea of the allergens and mechanisms that are causing your body trouble, your doctor will need you to fill out a questionnaire. Half the time, your first allergic response will not always be found. That is why it is beneficial that you jot down everything you came in contact with and eaten within the past 36 hours to the reaction.

It is also vital that you know how and when your symptoms developed. You will find that the seasons may have something to do with it as well as your physical activity and certain foods. Hence the reason the questionnaire asks everything about you.  You may think it is too long and not going to help, but it gives the doctor a better understanding about you.

Now that you know about allergies, you will be able to know the signs. Yes, all people will react different and sometimes you may end up having no allergies at all. If you feel that you are allergic to anything, please see your doctor.