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What are Allergies?
Allergies
are reactions you have to otherwise harmless substances
called allergens.
Normally, your immune system protects you against invading
agents such as bacteria and viruses. If you have allergies,
otherwise harmless allergens cause your body to react as
if they were dangerous invaders. In effect, your immune
system is responding to a false alarm.
The immune system thinks it is protecting you by generating
large amounts of a type of antibody specific to the particular
allergen you're allergic to.
This antibody attaches itself to certain cells in your body.
The next time you come into contact with the allergen, the
allergen attaches to the antibody like a key fitting into
a lock. This "lock-up" causes the release of inflammatory
substances into your system. These substances, including
histamine, move into various parts of your body, such as
your respiratory system, to cause allergy symptoms including
runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing, among others.
Antihistamines are medications that block the action of
histamines and relieve your allergy symptoms.
In some people, certain medicines, insect venom, or foods
may also cause allergic reactions. See your doctor promptly
if you suspect you are having an allergic reaction to these
substances. These allergies are not the same as respiratory
allergies like hay fever, and are not treated with the same
medicines. See your doctor promptly if you suspect you are
having an allergic reaction to these substances. The information
in this Website addresses only respiratory allergies.
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This
health article is made available by Dr. Joseph Barry MD a Physician. Physician's
office at 5415 West Genesee St., Camillus, NY 13031, is easily accessible
from Syracuse, Warners, Marcellus, Liverpool, Elbridge, Memphis, Nedrow, Baldwinsville, Jordan, and Mottville.
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