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Why Do People Have Allergies?

Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system. In an allergic reaction, your immune system reacts to things that don't bother most people. Some examples of things that cause allergic reactions are dust mites, pollen, pet dander and certain foods. Why do some people suffer from allergies, while others don't?

  1. The Facts

    • According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergic disease. An allergic reaction is triggered by the immune system. The immune system produces proteins known as IgE antibodies, which are part of the body's defense mechanism against unwanted infections. When you have allergies, your immune system identifies a particular substance as harmful, even though it isn't.

    Types

    • There are different types of allergic illnesses. Types of allergic illnesses include hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma and allergic skin reactions such as hives and dermatitis. Allergic rhinitis may lead to frequent sinus infections and ear infections.

    Symptoms

    • Each different type of allergic reaction has its own symptoms. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Dermatitis symptoms include itching and peeling of the skin. Hives consists of clusters of red itchy bumps. Asthma is characterized by wheezing, tightness of the chest, coughing and shortness of breath. Food allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis, which is characterized by tingling in the mouth, a red itchy rash, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. In severe reactions, it can result in unconsciousness or even death.

    Risk Factors

    • You may be at increased risk of having allergies if you have a family member with asthma, allergic rhinitis or allergic dermatitis. Children are more likely to develop allergies than adults. If you have asthma, you are at an increased risk of developing other forms of allergic illnesses.

    Treatment

    • For some people, treatment of allergies involves avoiding a particular allergen. For example, if you are allergic to cats, you would avoid the home of a cat owner. If you are allergic to peanuts, you would avoid peanuts, or anything that contains even a trace of peanuts. To control airborne allergies, you should clean frequently to avoid dust buildup. Don't hang heavy drapes and remove carpeting in favor of hardwood floors. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as pills or nasal spray for relief of symptoms. For severe allergies, your doctor may also recommend immunotherapy, which involves receiving injections of small amounts of allergens, to allow your body to build up immunity to these substances. If you have severe allergic reactions to certain substances, your doctor may prescribe an emergency epinephrine shot to carry with you at all times. This shot can reduce sudden symptoms until you can get emergency treatment.

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