Allergy

An allergy can be termed as a response, which takes place within the body towards a particular substance. This particular substance may not be harmful by itself but it results in a response which is immune which causes various symptoms in an individual which causes a great deal of inconvenience.

You know it's an allergy when you face the following symptoms: skin rash, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, severe wheezing, coughing, sinus problem, shortness of breath and itchy palate amongst the other symptoms. An allergy is known to aggravate senses related to taste, sight, smell, and touch which in turn is known to cause fatality, irritation and extreme disability. The occurrence of an allergy takes place when the body's immune system is known to react to otherwise harmless substances.

An Allergy occurs because of the following reasons:

Allergens are substances present in the environment which causes allergic reactions. Allergens contain protein which is present in the food which we eat. It is an organic compound which has oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen which forms an important part of all living organisms.

The most common allergens that are easily found are:

• Pollen from trees and grasses
• Moulds
• House dust mite
• Pets - dogs and cats
• Insects - wasps and bees
• Household chemicals
• Industrial chemicals
• Medicines
• Foods - milk and eggs

Latex, fruit and nuts are less common allergens that are present.

There are drugs like penicillin which are called non- proteins allergens. For such drugs to cause an allergic response they have to get bound to a protein once they are in the body.

The immune system of an allergic person believes that allergens are harmful and produce a special type of an anti body to attack the invading material, which leads other blood cells to release further chemicals which increase the chances more for an allergic reaction.

Note: Not all symptoms visible are because of an allergy, there are many other factors that can also lead to an infection or health condition other than an allergy.