When the immunity system reacts to harmless foreign substances, it causes allergy. The substance could be nontoxic pollen, molds, latex, animal dander, or certain types of food. The substance that reacts with the immune system is called an allergen, and atopy is the genetic inclination to develop allergic diseases. When an atopy person is exposed to an allergen, the person exhibits allergy symptoms. The symptoms could be mild, ranging from running nose, watery eyes, irritation, and in exceptional cases, life-threatening. Allergens can cause skin allergies like eczema and hives (urticaria) and lung infection resulting in asthma.
Allergic antibodies (IgE)
The allergens react with the immune system triggering a chain of events consequential in an allergic reaction. When an atopy person comes in contact with a specific allergen, the body produces allergic antibodies (IgE). These antibodies identify the allergens and try to eliminate them from the system. A Chemical called histamine is released, resulting in allergic symptoms. A wide spectrum of foreign substances, including pollen, mold, and dust mites, can cause allergies. Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by pollen. Symptoms include swelling and inflammation of tissues in the nose and eyes (conjunctiva). You could suffer from itching, watery eyes, nose, congestion, and sneezing. Visit the San Antonio asthma and allergy center for treatments which could be nasal steroids, antihistamines, anti-leukotriene, and nasal cromolyn.
Preventive measure
If you are prone to allergies, the risk could be reduced by staying indoors when pollen counts are high, using air-conditioning, and closing windows. Consult an allergist about immunotherapy to lessen the potentiality of pollen allergy.
Dust mites
Dust mites are another cause of allergy. Those microorganisms thrive in the dust and fiber of household fabrics like carpets, pillow covers, and mattresses. To reduce dust mites, clean carpet and another holster with a high-caliber vacuum cleaner. They manifest more in a warm, humid climate. Healthcare personnel can provide medication to lessen eye, nose, and chest symptoms. If preventive measures and medication does not reduce symptoms, immunotherapy could be prescribed by the physician.
Molds & latex
Molds trigger common allergies. They are like fungi with spores that glide in the air like pollen. Molds grow in damp areas like the basement, bathroom, and sink as well as outdoor in the grass, leaf stack, hay or beneath mushrooms. They breed peak in a hot and humid climate. An animal protein secreted by sweat glands in an animal coat can cause allergy. These proteins are found in animal saliva and shredded dander. Some people are prone to latex allergy when the skin comes in touch with latex gloves used for cleaning or surgery. Severe symptoms occur if the mucosal membrane is exposed to latex during a dental or gynecological exam.
Anaphylaxis
Most allergy symptoms are mild to moderate. On rare occasions, they cause major health issues. A handful of people may suffer from chronic allergy reactions or anaphylaxis, which needs immediate medical attention. Various allergens can cause anaphylaxis, including food, molds, and medication. The first step to reducing the possibility of allergy reaction is to identify the allergen and then reduce exposure to it. For instance, if you have a dust mite allergy, reducing dust mites number in the home minimizes the potentiality. Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term treatment plan that alters the immune system’s reaction to allergens. Visit San Antonio asthma and allergy center to fight diseases and to get top-notch treatment.