Understanding Allergies: Causes and Management

Image credit: shorelinevision.com

What is an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to an allergen. If you have allergies, the first time you encounter a specific allergen, your body responds by creating immunoglobulin E (IgE). Your immune system makes antibodies to form IgE.

What is an allergy & why is it a problem?

An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are: Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system.

What is a true allergy?

With this new classification, the word allergy, sometimes clarified as a true allergy, was restricted to type I hypersensitivities (also called immediate hypersensitivity), which are characterized as rapidly developing reactions involving IgE antibodies.

What are common allergies?

Allergies occur when our body overreacts to a 'trigger' or allergen. Common allergies include hay fever, asthma, hives and food allergy.

Do you have a food allergy?

Some people have an allergic reaction to a normally harmless ingredient or type of food. This immune system response can range from mild to severe. Does your family have a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever or food allergies? Learn about food allergies in children and how to spot a reaction.

How does an allergy start?

An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain on the alert for that particular allergen.

What Is Allergy

1. https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/about-allergy/what-is-allergy
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497
3. https://allergyfacts.org.au/allergy-anaphylaxis/what-is-allergy
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergies
7. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/allergies
8. https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/
9. https://medlineplus.gov/allergy.html
10. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419

Allergy Information

1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/conditionsandtreatments/allergies
2. https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/best-practice-improvement/clinical-guidance/emergency/allergy-and-anaphylaxis
3. https://acaai.org/allergies/