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Allergies and What Causes Them

by: AimyD
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Let’s begin with begin discussing what exactly allergies are. Allergies are disorders in the immune system, meaning when a “foreign” object or substance that would normally be harmless to most people causes a reaction on the skin or within the body. If contact is made with the skin, lings, mouth, or stomach a reaction can occur. Reactions can attack the musculo-skeletal, bowel, nose, eyes, and even brain. The “foreign” substances that cause these reactions to the body are known as allergens.

These reactions can be caused by numerous allergens including pet dander from an indoor pet, food, dust, pollen in the air, insect bites, and drinks such as milk. Many also have allergies when it comes to wearing jewelry. This is caused by a chemical or lack there of in a specific piece of jewelry. Many are allergic to nickel making it difficult to wear most silver jewelry. Some are also allergic to certain antibiotics and anesthetics.

When allergens come in contact with your body, your immune system thinks it is being attacked and begins to produce antibodies such as IgE. The antibodies then produce histamine and disperse it to different organs in the body.

Many allergic reactions may not irritate the location of the initial contact, but will target the weak organs in the body. Reactions depend on which organ the allergy affects and the particular organs function. The reactions differ from person to person, not every one breaks out in hives when they drink milk or have a bee sting.

The organs which are most attacked by allergies are the brain, nose, eyes, ears, lungs, heart, skin, bowel, urinary system, and skeletal system. The brain is the most sensitive organ to be attacked by allergens.

When the brain is affected by allergies the forms of reactions can be as simple as forgetfulness and as severe as dementia. Other afflictions to the brain include but are not limited to anxiety, panic attacks, and even depression. When your nose is affected by allergies you may experience a runny nose, sneezing, sinus pressure, and hay fever.

Your eyes are the next organ on the list. When your eyes are affected you will experience red, itchy, and watery eyes. The ear is also very susceptible to pain, infection, and drainage. When your heart is affected hypertension and irregular heartbeats are most common with reactions. If your lungs are the target of the reaction you can experience signs of asthma and bronchitis which can lead to pneumonia.

The skin is the most common to be the target of many allergic reactions causing the appearance of hives, rashes, and psoriasis. The bowel system and urinary system may be affected with PMT, impotency and frigidity. If the skeletal system is affected arthritis and fibrosis can be the reaction.

Each allergen affects each person differently. Though two people may be allergic to the same types of food they still may not have the same reaction. Many food allergies will attack the nervous, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and areas on the skin. Also, each food allergy has its own reaction. For example, headaches are associated with wheat; hives are associated with some fruits, nuts, eggs, and even shellfish.

If you have an allergy of any kind talk to your doctor, he will be able to prescribe an allergy medication or allergy shot to be given each month to cease in the reaction of such allergies. Some mild allergy medication can be purchased over the counter at your local drugstore or pharmacy. While taking these and other medications, follow all directions so not to cause harm to your body.

Finally, do not ignore or over look your allergies. If you are allergic to something, or think you may be having an allergic reaction to something, notify a physician immediately. Not doing so may cause more harm than good to your body. Be happy. Be healthy.

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Allergies and What Causes Them

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