Introduction
When a person has an allergy, they are going to have a certain type of reaction to a substance or food that is in their environment. Substances that can cause allergies are numerous. In many cases, the substance is one that does not bother those who have no allergies and is completely safe to others.
Response with Allergies
When a person comes into contact with the substance that they are allergic to, their bodies are going to start to produce antibodies. The first time the person was in contact with this allergen, their body saw this as a threat, and sort of treated this like an infection. Now, they produce antibodies that will then put the body into an allergic reaction fit. The symptoms that people have with allergies can vary, but often include:
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Itchy eyes
- Rashes on the skin
- Swelling
The way in which a person responds is going to depend on the type of allergy that they have. Some of the more common allergens include:
- Dust mites
- Grass and tree pollen
- Animal dander
- Allergies to food
Allergies: Are they Common?
The truth is that allergies are very common. When looking at the UK, for every four people, one person has allergies. Up to half of those who are affected by allergies are children. And these numbers are continuing to rise. The reason for the increase varies from one professional to the next. One theory is that the pollution in the air is becoming worse, leading to more allergies. Others argue that people are no longer getting the germs that they once did, making their systems weaker and more prone to allergies.
Keep in mind that an allergy is not the same as being sensitive to something or having an intolerance. These are terms that tend to be confused. Being sensitive to something meant that you have exaggerated side effects when in contact with something. Being intolerant means you try to avoid this, as you often end up in very bad health when coming in contact with this allergen.
Allergy Management and Seeing your Doctor
You should always talk with your doctor when you believe that you have an allergy. You are going to find that he or she can do tests in order to pinpoint what allergies you could have. In addition, your doctor is going to help you to manage your allergies. In most cases, medications are given as a way to control the symptoms that are associated with allergies.
Related Video On Allergies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cSLdioofVM