Allergy symptoms

Allergies refer to misguided reactions of our immune system as a response when we are in contact with foreign substances. It’s misguided because non-allergic people usually will not react to these harmless substances. For allergic people, substances that produce their allergy are called “allergens.”

When a person experiences allergy symptoms, these things take place:

• The body will produce IgE (a specific antibody) to bind the allergen.
• The antibodies will attach to a mast cell, which is a form of blood cells found in the GI tract and the airways.
• The allergens will naturally bind to IgE, which is already attached to mast cells. This will then trigger the mast cells to release various chemicals including histamine – the cause of runny nose and itchiness.

If the allergen is ingested, the allergic reactions will likely occur in the intestines, stomach, and mouth. While if the allergen is located in the air, it will often occur in the lungs, nose, and eyes. Sometimes, there are enough chemicals (released from mast cells) that will cause allergy symptoms such as loss of consciousness, shock, decreased blood pressure, and hives.

Most allergies are inherited, and they may develop at any age – even in the womb. They would commonly be present in children but the symptoms may appear for the first time when they reach adulthood.

Here are the most common allergy symptoms:

Mild Allergic Reactions – usually do not spread to other body parts

• Congestion
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Rash

Moderate Allergic Reactions – symptoms that can spread to other body parts

• Difficulty breathing
• Itchiness

Severe Allergic Reactions – life-threatening and rare emergency affecting the whole body. It begins with sudden itching of the face or eyes and then progress to serious symptoms

• Dizziness or mental confusion
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Various swelling that can make swallowing and breathing more difficult

Although you can inherit the tendency to develop allergies, it doesn’t mean that you will inherit the same diseases or allergies as your parents. It is also not clear in the beginning which substances will trigger your reaction and when the symptoms will develop. Other influences that may conspire in causing your allergic reactions are: hormones, infection, pollution, and smoking.