About Allergies

A nationwide survey taken in 2006 by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that over 50 percent of Americans tested positive for one or more allergens. Any number of materials in our environment can trigger an allergic reaction. Fortunately, there are effective testing and treatment methods available for those who suffer from allergies.

Identification

• Allergies are classified as immune system disorders. They appear as hypersensitive reactions to specific materials, or allergens, that come in contact with the body. Allergen-specific antibodies, called IgE, react to the presence of an allergen in the system. This interaction sets off an inflammatory response. The IgE are actually a type of white blood cells called mast cells. Typical allergic reactions include asthma, hives, eczema and nasal congestion. Causes for these reactions include food allergies, pollen, pollution and insect venoms.

Function

• Airborne particles like pollen and dust are well-known allergens, causing sneezing, itching and reddening of the eyes in those who are allergic. When inhaled, individuals can experience shortness of breath, a narrowing of the airways, wheezing and coughing. All of these symptoms occur as a result of inflammatory reactions taking place in the lungs, nose and eyes. The narrowing of the airways occurs due to increased mucous production triggered by the IgE antibody's response to an allergen. Similar responses can occur as a result of certain foods, insect stings and medications.

Causes

• Both hereditary and environmental factors can contribute to the likelihood of someone having allergies. Sex and age are also contributing risk factors. Children under the age of 10 are most at risk since IgE levels are highest during this time. As a person approaches adulthood, these antibody levels decrease in the system. Environmental factors play a big role in determining whether or not allergic sensitivities stay with a person into adulthood. These factors include any infectious diseases contracted during childhood, dietary changes, daily allergen level exposure and environmental pollution.

Testing

• There are a number of methods used to test for allergies. Some of these include skin tests and elimination-type tests. Elimination tests are done to test for food allergies. Different types of foods are eliminated from the diet for several weeks, then reintroduced, one at a time to determine which one is triggering a reaction. Skin tests are done to test for allergic reactions to medications, mold, pollen and insect bites. Skin pricks or injection methods can be used to inject small amounts of an allergen into the system to see how the body reacts.

Treatment

• Treatment methods for allergic reactions vary depending on the type of allergy. In the case of food allergens, a diet containing low-allergen foods can be used to eliminate known ingredient groups from one's diet. For insect stings--especially in cases where life-threatening symptoms occur--quick dissolving epinephrine tablets can be used. For those who suffer from dust and pollen attacks, medications that block allergens or prevent antibodies from reacting to them are available. These include antihistamines, epinephrine, cortisone and hydrocortisone.