About allergy (allergies)

What is allergy (allergies)?

Allergies are reactions of the immune system to any foreign particle that enters the body. The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body from infections. The production of antibodies to counter the antigens of the pathogen triggers a reaction causing the release of eosinophils. This leads to the inflammation of the skin, itching, and even red rashes. But, when the immune system mistakes any other particle as a harmful pathogen, it leads to a condition known as allergy (allergies). The allergen or the foreign particle that triggers this reaction can be pollens or dust. Some people are also allergic to certain food or animal dander. Once these enter the body, the immune system gets activated thinking that some infectious pathogen has entered. The immune system releases white blood cells that have eosinophils to counter the allergen. People suffering from allergies usually undergo the symptoms when their allergic cause is present. People who are allergic to the pollens of specific plants or flowers will suffer from allergies during the seasons where those flowers bloom.

What are the risk factors for allergy (allergies)?

Allergy (allergies) symptoms vary from person to person and the same ambiguity is present for the risk factors associated with an allergic reaction. Since it is a genetic condition and can be inherited, people whose parents are allergic to certain things might pass on that allergic tendency but it does not necessarily have to be the same allergen. The risks associated with allergies can range from mild to life-threatening. Milder reactions require no specific attention apart from oral medications. For severe cases, a mix of immunotherapy and medications is often prescribed. In case of life-threatening conditions such as Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, hospitalization is required to save the person. Allergies also give rise to asthma and other respiratory conditions. This further requires specific treatments so that the condition does not aggravate. Another condition that poses a certain amount of risk is the development of sinusitis and infections that affect the ears.

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